Mia Williams Powers Texas Tech to Dramatic Walk-Off Win, Setting Up Semifinal Rematch with Alabama

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — In a thrilling turn of events at the Women’s College World Series, Mia Williams delivered her first career walk-off home run, leading Texas Tech to a dramatic 5-4 victory over Alabama. This win forces a decisive rematch on Monday night, marking just the fifth time in the tournament's history that both semifinals have required a second game in its double-elimination format.

Williams’ 26th home run of the season came in a tense moment after Alabama’s Jena Young had tied the game at 4-4 with a two-run shot in the top of the seventh inning. With this victory, Texas Tech (60-8) is still in contention for a spot in the finals for the second year in a row, hoping to face off against the Longhorns again. Alabama (56-8), whose seven-game winning streak came to an end, aims to return to the finals for the first time since 2014.

Nijaree Canady (28-6) earned the win after pitching 2 2/3 innings, setting a new NCAA record for the most career appearances in a WCWS game with her 18th, surpassing UCLA's Debbie Doom. Canady struck out four batters and allowed one earned run on three hits while coming in as a relief pitcher for Kaitlyn Terry.

Texas Tech's offensive surge began with two outs, as they scored their first four runs of the game. In the second inning, the team tied the game at 1-1 with a double from Hailey Toney, marking the first hit allowed by Alabama's Jocelyn Briski with runners in scoring position during the NCAA Tournament. Lauren Allred then put Texas Tech ahead 2-1 with a solo home run in the third inning. In the fifth, Taylor Pannell extended the lead to 4-2 with a two-run homer that just eluded left fielder Audrey Vandagriff. Freshman Vic Moten (21-5) took the loss after entering the game with runners on base, allowing three earned runs in her 2 2/3 innings pitched while striking out four.