Texas Longhorns beat Texas Tech 2-1 in game 1 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series on Wednesday
In a thrilling opener to the 2025 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship series, the Texas Longhorns edged out the Texas Tech Red Raiders with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday evening. This win places the Longhorns just one game away from clinching their first-ever NCAA softball national title.
The game featured a stellar pitching performance by Texas sophomore Teagan Kavan, who delivered a complete game, allowing just one run on three hits. Kavan’s resilience was evident as she navigated through early challenges, including a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, to keep the Red Raiders at bay. Her performance extended her WCWS streak without an earned run to 24 innings, solidifying her reputation as one of the nation’s premier pitchers.
On the opposing side, Texas Tech’s ace NiJaree Canady showcased her prowess, holding the Longhorns to one hit through the first five innings. However, a mislocated pitch in the sixth inning allowed Texas catcher Reese Atwood to deliver a pivotal two-run single, breaking the deadlock and giving the Longhorns the lead. Canady admitted responsibility for the misplaced pitch, acknowledging the game’s turning point.
Reese Atwood’s game-winning hit was particularly significant given her recent struggles at the plate. Prior to this at-bat, Atwood was 0-for-10 in the WCWS. Facing a 3-0 count, she capitalized on the mislocated pitch, delivering a single that brought in two runs and shifted the momentum in favor of the Longhorns. Her resilience and ability to perform under pressure were crucial in securing the victory
Despite committing a season-high four errors during the game, the Longhorns demonstrated remarkable composure and determination. Their ability to rebound from defensive miscues and maintain focus on the task at hand was a testament to their mental fortitude and team cohesion. This resilience was particularly evident in the late innings, where they managed to capitalize on offensive opportunities and secure the win.
With the series now at 1-0, the Longhorns are poised to capture their first national championship in program history. Game 2 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Thursday evening, with Texas aiming to close out the series and etch their name into the annals of NCAA softball history. The Red Raiders, on the other hand, will look to even the series and force a decisive Game 3.
As the Longhorns approach this historic opportunity, their performance in Game 1 has set a high standard. With strong pitching, timely hitting, and unwavering determination, Texas has demonstrated that they are ready to make history on the national stage.
