Canady's Stellar Performance Secures Texas Tech's Spot in WCWS Championship Series Rematch

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Nijaree Canady delivered an impressive complete-game performance, allowing just two hits, as Texas Tech clinched their place in the Women’s College World Series championship series for the second consecutive year, defeating top-seeded Alabama 2-0 on Monday night in their second semifinal encounter.

With a record of 61-8, Texas Tech is set to face No. 2 Texas (51-12) on Wednesday at Devon Park, competing in a double-elimination format. This matchup marks a historic first championship series rematch in WCWS history, following last year's showdown where the Longhorns triumphed over the Red Raiders in three games.

Canady's remarkable outing culminated with her 99th pitch leading to an out in right field, making her the first pitcher in WCWS history to achieve multiple shutouts at different schools, including Stanford. With a season total of only two seven-inning complete games, the last of which occurred on March 20, Canady's (29-6) performance was particularly noteworthy.

Despite struggling with runners in scoring position, going 0 for 12, Texas Tech managed to secure the win with a fourth-inning home run from Jasmyn Burns, marking her 19th of the season and her second hit of the tournament, both being home runs. An error by Alabama's defense allowed the Red Raiders to add another run in the seventh inning, as Lauren Allred's single led to a scoring opportunity for Mihyia Davis.

Alabama's Jocelyn Briski (25-4) was credited with the loss after conceding an earned run and eight hits over five innings. Texas Tech maintained a consistent offensive presence, recording hits in all seven innings, including a pivotal single from Burns in the sixth that prompted a pitching change with runners on base.

Earlier in the day, Texas Tech secured a thrilling 5-4 victory in the first game, thanks to Mia Williams' first career walk-off home run.