LUBBOCK, TX — For the first time in program history, Texas Tech softball will host an NCAA Regional, beginning Friday when the No. 12 Red Raiders face Brown at 4:30 p.m. at Rocky Johnson Field.
Texas Tech (45-12) earned the regional host role after capturing both the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles for the first time in school history. The Red Raiders outscored opponents 26-0 across three games in the Big 12 Championship, led by Most Outstanding Player NiJaree Canady, who allowed just four hits during the weekend.
Canady enters the NCAA Tournament with a 26-5 record and a nation-leading 0.81 ERA. Her 26 wins are the second-most in a single season in program history. The freshman was a unanimous Big 12 Pitcher of the Year selection and also earned First Team All-Big 12 honors.
Tech's offense has surged behind the return of senior outfielder Demi Elder, who has helped the team go 22-3 since rejoining the starting lineup. Junior Mihyia Davis has added power to her speed this season, tallying five home runs, 10 doubles, six triples and 24 stolen bases. She was named to both the Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team.
The Red Raiders also rely on standout freshmen on the left side of the infield. Shortstop Hailey Toney has started every game, the only freshman in a Power Four conference to do so, while third baseman Bailey Lindemuth has played 55 of her 57 games at third. Both were named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team.
Texas Tech will face Brown (33-15), the Ivy League Tournament champion making its first NCAA appearance since 1997. The winner will face either Mississippi State or Washington in Saturday’s second round.
NCAA Lubbock Regional Schedule
Friday, May 16
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Game 1: Texas Tech vs. Brown – 4:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
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Game 2: Mississippi State vs. Washington – 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
Saturday, May 17
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Game 3: Winners of Game 1 and Game 2 – 1 p.m.
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Game 4: Losers of Game 1 and Game 2 – 3:30 p.m.
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Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
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Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 – 2 p.m.
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Game 7: If necessary – 4:30 p.m.
(TV for Saturday and Sunday games TBD)
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