The Texas Longhorns secured their first-ever Women’s College World Series title in dominant fashion, defeating Texas Tech 10-4 in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Friday. With the victory, the Longhorns made history, capturing the program’s first national championship in softball.
Despite facing off against Texas Tech’s superstar pitcher, NiJaree Canady, who had earned a complete-game win in Game 2, the Longhorns didn’t flinch. The junior right-hander, a two-time first-team All-American, was roughed up early. Texas wasted no time, exploding for five runs in the first inning, forcing Canady out of the game by the second inning after allowing the most runs in an inning of her career.
A Strong Start and Early Knockout of Canady
Canady, who had just signed a second $1 million-plus NIL deal earlier that day, struggled to find her rhythm. Despite her efforts to return to the mound after an impressive performance the previous game, the Longhorns took advantage of her rare off day. The first inning set the tone for the game, as Texas poured on the runs with ease, eventually chasing Canady after just 1.2 innings of work.
The Longhorns’ aggressive play continued into the third inning, as left fielder Katie Stewart added another run, extending the lead to 6-0. But it was third baseman Mia Scott who truly stole the spotlight with a monstrous grand slam in the fourth inning, giving Texas a commanding 10-0 lead.
A Touch of Celebrity Recognition
Mia Scott’s impressive grand slam not only made waves among fans but also caught the attention of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Texas Tech alum, Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes, who was watching the game with his wife, Brittany, at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, showed his respect for Scott’s performance, further elevating the moment in the eyes of Texas Tech and Longhorns supporters alike.
Texas Tech’s Attempted Comeback Falls Short
Despite the early onslaught from Texas, the Red Raiders fought back valiantly. In the fifth inning, Texas Tech managed to score three runs, and another run in the seventh inning gave them hope. However, it was too little, too late as the Longhorns’ pitching proved too strong to overcome.
Teagan Kavan, Texas’ starting pitcher, held firm and completed the game for her team. She was masterful throughout the contest, throwing a complete game, striking out three, and allowing eight hits. With the game on the line in the final inning, Kavan got Lauren Allred to ground out, sealing the victory for Texas.
Kavan’s Emotional Victory
Teagan Kavan’s emotional response to the win was evident as the Longhorns rushed the mound to celebrate with their pitcher. Kavan, a sophomore, expressed how much it meant to her to secure the final out, saying, “I’m so happy for this team. We did it. First Natty. Let’s go!” She dedicated the win to her late grandmother, who had asked her brother to bring home a victory. Kavan made sure to fulfill that promise with her stellar performance on the mound.
Head Coach Mike White Reflects on Historic Victory
Texas head coach Mike White, who joined the program in 2019, couldn’t hold back his excitement after the win. “I can’t believe it’s happened,” he said. “For us to come out on top tonight – we’re so close to being knocked out. I am speechless to tell you the truth. It doesn’t happen very often. But I am so proud of our ladies.”
This victory was particularly sweet for Texas, as they had lost to Oklahoma in the championship series in two of the last three years. The Sooners, who were hoping to secure their fifth consecutive title, were knocked out earlier in the tournament by the Longhorns.
White also praised Canady’s performance, saying, “In order to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,” and acknowledging the difficulty of defeating such a talented pitcher.
A Historic Win for the Longhorns
For the Texas Longhorns, this victory marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. The team had finally broken through to claim their first-ever Women’s College World Series title, setting a new standard for the program. With a mix of strong pitching, timely hitting, and clutch performances, Texas proved that they were deserving champions.
