Texas Tech got the softball season underway with a bang, run-ruling McNeese State on the Cowgirls' home field, 13-3 in five innings.
No. 1-ranked Texas Tech got its highly-anticipated 2026 softball season underway Thursday in dominant fashion. It was a season-opener displaying how Gerry Glasco's star-studded team is primed for even more success than the program enjoyed last season.
With two-time reigning National Pitcher of the Year NiJaree Canady in the circle, the Red Raiders stepped into enemy territory and left no doubt.
Texas Tech defeated the McNeese State Cowgirls on their home field in Lake Charles, Louisiana, 13-3, with the game ending via the five-inning mercy rule.
Canady, who had a 1.11 earned run average last season, tossed 4.0 innings and gave up one run on three hits. She struck out three and walked four in her 14 batters faced. The All-American led the Red Raiders in home runs at the dish last season, too, but her offense was not needed in this one.
Texas Tech got on the board in a hurry with two-hole second baseman Mia Williams doubling home speedy leadoff hitter Mihyia Davis from first to open the ballgame.
Ohio State transfer Jasmyn Burns brought home Williams on a sacrifice fly before sophomore shortstop Hailey Toney unleashed a three-run bomb to help Tech tack on five runs in the opening frame.
Williams and Burns are two of many elite newcomers to join Glasco's team this season via the top-ranked transfer portal class that arrives in Lubbock this year.
Tennessee transfer Taylor Pannell added a deep fly in the third inning to put the Red Raiders up 10-0. Tech would hit four home runs for the game, with Williams and Alana Johnson sending shots over the fence in fifth inning to seal the run-rule.
The Florida transfer Williams finished the game a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with four runs batted in. Toney had a trio of hits, as well, while Davis and Pannell each finished with two. The team scored its 13 runs on 13 hits.
The Cowgirls were limited to six hits. Two of their three runs came in the final inning off of Tech relief pitcher Desirae Spearman.
Next up for Texas Tech is a matchup with a Lone Star State foe in Lousiana. The Red Raiders face the North Texas Mean Green on Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. CST. The final game in Tech's three-game slate at the McNeese Tournament is against Lousiana Monroe right after the UNT game, beginning approximately at 1:30 p.m.