One day after the Big 12 Conference saw its number of super regional softball teams cut in half, Texas Tech and Arizona State took their shots at reaching the Women’s College World Series.
Texas Tech left absolutely no room for doubt. Arizona State.
The Red Raiders are returning to Oklahoma City for the second straight year. Here’s how they did it in our wrap from the final day of super regionals.
Gainesville Super Regional
No. 6 Florida vs. No. 11 Texas Tech
Game 1: Texas Tech 10, Florida 8
Game 2: Florida 10, Texas Tech 2
Game 3: Texas Tech 16, Florida 7
After getting blown out in Game 2 against Florida, Texas Tech poured it on from the beginning. The Red Raiders set the tone with three runs in the top of the first and never let up. And for two innings, neither did the Gators.
Florida answered with four runs in the bottom of the first. Then Tech scored four runs in the second and the Gators answered with three more. Tied 7-7 after two innings, that’s where the slugfest ended. For Florida, anyway.
Texas Tech then scored four runs in the third, two runs in the fourth and thre runs in the fifth to take control of the game.
Jackie Lis, Mia Williams and Taylor Parnell all hit home runs, with Lis and Parnell hitting two each. The trio combined to drive in 11 runs on eight hits. That was more than enough to withstand Florida’s early offensive onslaught.
Kaitlyn Terry started the game in the circle, but a rain delay suspended the game in the first inning. She and NiJaree Canady shared duties in the circle with Canady getting the win. She pitched three innings and allowed three hits and two earned runs.
Austin Super Regional
No. 2 Texas vs. Arizona State
Game 1: Arizona State 4, Texas 1
Game 2: Texas 4, Arizona State 3
Game 3: Texas 5, Arizona State 0
Arizona State missed its shot to beat Texas on Saturday in Game 2 and the Sun Devils paid for it in Game 3, as the Longhorns ended up shutting out ASU in Austin.
Texas scored two runs in the third inning, one run in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth as ASU starter Kenzie Brown took the loss. She gave up six hits and three earned runs in 4.1 innings before she was relieved.
Arizona State only managed five hits off Texas starter Teagan Kavan, with Yannixa Acuna claiming two of those hits. The Sun Devils struck out five times and only walked twice.
