Texas Edges Texas Tech 2-1 in Women's College World Series Finals Opener

In a pivotal moment during the sixth inning, Reese Atwood delivered a two-run single that propelled Texas to a 2-1 victory over Texas Tech in the opening game of the Women's College World Series finals on Wednesday night. The Longhorns capitalized on an intentional walk attempt by Texas Tech ace NiJaree Canady, turning the situation into a game-changing hit.

Teagan Kavan showcased her pitching prowess, allowing only three hits throughout the game for Texas (54-11). With this win, the Longhorns are one step away from clinching their first national title, needing just one more victory in Game 2 scheduled for Thursday night. Conversely, Texas Tech (53-12) faces the daunting task of winning two consecutive games to secure their first championship in their inaugural WCWS appearance.

Canady, despite striking out seven batters and allowing four hits, has struggled against Texas historically, losing four of her five career starts against them. This includes two losses this season and two from her time at Stanford. The decisive moment came when Canady attempted to throw a pitch outside the strike zone but instead delivered a hittable ball.

"I made that mistake," Canady reflected post-game. "I think that loss is on me, and I apologize to my team."

The sixth inning began with Canady striking out the first two batters, but trouble arose when Kayden Henry singled and stole second base. Mia Scott followed with an infield single, advancing Henry to third and taking second without a throw. With a 3-0 count against Atwood and first base open, catcher Victoria Valdez set up outside the zone, yet Canady's pitch was too good, allowing Atwood to drive it through the left side.

"You've got to give credit to Atwood there," said Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco. "She wanted to play ball. She made a difference in the game at a time we were trying to take her out."

Texas Tech managed to score in the fifth inning aided by an obstruction call. Pinch-hitter Logan Halleman reached base due to a fielding error, but Atwood's throw attempting to catch her stealing second led to a challenge. Umpires ruled that shortstop Leighanne Goode obstructed Halleman's path, allowing Mihya Davis to drive her in with a single to right-center.

Kavan's performance has been stellar throughout the WCWS, not allowing an earned run in four appearances. Over 24 innings pitched, she has given up just 12 hits while striking out 15 batters, including 10 groundouts in this game alone.

The Red Raiders posed an early threat in the first inning by loading the bases with no outs. However, Canady grounded into a double play, and Alexa Langeliers grounded out to end the inning without scoring.

"It was a hard-fought game," Texas coach Mike White commented. "It could have gone either way; it was a game of inches. A lot of things happened for a 2-1 ballgame for sure. Fortunately, we were able to come out on top. NiJaree Canady is an extremely good pitcher, and we have one on our side too with Teagan Kavan. They matched toe-to-toe for quite a while, and it was good."