It was a game no one saw coming — and a moment Texas Tech softball will never forget. On June 2, 2025, the Red Raiders did what many believed was impossible: they defeated the Oklahoma Sooners, ending their dream of a historic five-peat and advancing to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) Finals for the first time in school history.
In front of a roaring crowd in Oklahoma City, Texas Tech walked into the lion’s den and roared louder. Powered by lights-out pitching, fearless hitting, and unmatched belief, the Red Raiders sent shockwaves through the world of college softball with a 5-2 win that had fans on their feet and pundits rewriting predictions.
The star of the night? NiJaree Canady, the $1 million NIL transfer from Stanford who proved she was worth every penny and more. With national eyes watching, Canady delivered a dominant performance in the circle, shutting down one of the most dangerous lineups in softball history. Her rise from transfer controversy to Red Raider legend was complete.
Before the season, Texas Tech wasn’t even in the national title conversation. They were rebuilding. Unknown. Overlooked. But under the leadership of first-year head coach Gerry Glasco, everything changed. Glasco, known for offensive firepower and program turnarounds, unlocked something special in this team — a perfect mix of hunger and heart.
That win over Oklahoma wasn’t just a semifinal victory. It was a declaration: Texas Tech is here, and they’re not going anywhere. The Sooners were chasing their fifth straight national title — a dynasty rarely seen in any sport — but the Red Raiders stood in their path and played without fear.
Oklahoma’s loss was their first in the WCWS since 2021. For Tech fans, it was a full-circle moment of glory. And for the nation, it was a reminder that in college sports, legends can rise from anywhere — even Lubbock.
Players like Ellie Bailey, Payton Jackson, and Reagan Johnson stepped up with timely hits and game-changing defense, embodying the team’s motto: “Play with fire, finish with faith.” Their energy was contagious, their chemistry undeniable. This wasn’t just a team — it was a family on a mission.
The win catapulted Texas Tech into the WCWS Finals against the Texas Longhorns, setting up an all-Texas showdown that made history in itself. For the first time ever, the two Lone Star State rivals would meet for a national championship. And for Tech, it was a chance to complete a dream season.
From starting the season unranked to finishing as Big 12 champions, regional and super regional hosts, and now WCWS finalists, this Red Raiders squad redefined what’s possible in one season. They shattered ceilings, silenced critics, and earned their place among softball’s elite.
While the Red Raiders ultimately finished runners-up, their journey — and that victory over Oklahoma — will live forever in Texas Tech lore. It was more than a win. It was a revolution. A signal that the underdog can rise, and that sometimes, the script doesn’t go how the powerhouse plans.
Because on that night in Oklahoma City, the Red Raiders didn’t just win a game. They made history.
