Texas Tech Claims First Big 12 Softball Championship with 4-0 Win Over Arizona
Oklahoma City, Okla. — The Texas Tech Red Raiders secured their first Big 12 Conference softball championship on Saturday, defeating the Arizona Wildcats 4-0. Hailey Toney powered the offense with a two-run double, while NiJaree Canady, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, dominated on the mound.
With this victory, Texas Tech (45-12) earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking its seventh appearance in the postseason. The team has made history this season under new head coach Gerry Glasco, clinching both their inaugural regular-season and tournament titles. Glasco was recognized as the conference’s Coach of the Year following this successful campaign.
Canady, who joined Texas Tech this offseason through a lucrative NIL deal exceeding $1 million, pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits while striking out eight. Her performance contributed to the Red Raiders’ impressive record of 23 shutouts this season, with this game being her seventh consecutive scoreless outing in the tournament.
The game’s scoring erupted in the second inning when Bailey Lindemuth led off with a single and advanced to third on a wild pitch. After Canady walked, courtesy runner Makayla Garcia took her place. Victoria Valdez’s RBI single brought Lindemuth home, setting the stage for Toney’s two-run double that widened the lead. Mihyia Davis capped the scoring with an RBI single, bringing the tally to 4-0.
Arizona (45-11), competing in its first season in the Big 12, has a storied history with seven national championships but was unable to add to its accolades. The Wildcats previously advanced to the NCAA tournament 25 times but fell short in this championship clash.
As Texas Tech prepares for the NCAA Tournament, they aim to build on this historic season and advance further than ever before.
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