Texas Tech Advances WCWS Semifinals with 3-1 Win over UCLA

Texas Tech advanced to the Women's College World Series semifinals with a 3-1 victory over UCLA, led by a strong pitching performance from NiJaree Canady who allowed only one run on four hits and struck out seven. The game featured a pivotal moment when Makayla Garcia stole home in the fifth inning to give Texas Tech a 1-0 lead, a risky play that energized the team. UCLA responded quickly with a solo home run by Kaniya Bragg, but Texas Tech reclaimed the lead with a two-out home run by Hailey Toney in the sixth and an insurance RBI single by Raegan Jennings in the seventh. Canady, the National Fastpitch Coaches Assn.’s Pitcher of the Year, escaped multiple bases-loaded jams and maintained composure to close out the game. Texas Tech, seeking its first national title, will face the winner of the Oklahoma-Oregon game in the semifinals, while UCLA moves to an elimination game against Tennessee. The win marks a significant milestone for Texas Tech, which just won its first World Series game earlier in the tournament, contrasting with UCLA's storied history of 12 championships.