Photo: Joshua Gateley / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The University of Oklahoma softball team saw its season come to an end after a narrow 3-2 defeat to Texas Tech in the Women's College World Series (WCWS) semifinals on Monday (June 2) in Oklahoma City. The loss halted Oklahoma's impressive streak of four consecutive national championships.
The Sooners, known for their resilience, nearly pulled off another comeback. Down to their final strike in the top of the seventh inning, Abigale Dayton hit a two-run home run to tie the game at 2-2, reminiscent of Ella Parker's walk-off home run against Tennessee earlier in the tournament. However, Texas Tech responded in the bottom of the seventh. Mihyia Davis singled, Hailey Toney doubled, and Lauren Allred hit a sacrifice fly to secure the walk-off victory for the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech's ace, NiJaree Canady, was instrumental in the win, allowing only two runs on five hits and striking out eight over seven innings. Her performance was crucial in ending Oklahoma's championship reign, one of the most dominant periods in college sports history.
Now, Texas Tech advances to face Texas in the national championship series, with both teams vying for their first national title in softball. The Red Raiders' victory sets up an all-Texas showdown for the championship.