Tennessee softball is off to a 1-0 start in the 2026 Women’s College World Series after taking down the defending champions, Texas, on the opening day of the event on Thursday. Next up is last year’s runner-up, Texas Tech.
What are the Lady Vols getting in the matchup with the Red Raiders, though? Like most teams are at this point in the tournament, it’s another all-around team that has made winning a habit. TTU currently stands at 58-7 after going 21-3 in Big 12 play this year.
Texas Tech was slotted as the No. 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament, hosting the Lubbock Regional. Despite a scare, the Red Raiders survived and moved on to play 6-seed Florida in the Gainesville Super Regional. There, Texas Tech won a high-energy and emotional best two-out-of-three in three games to punch its ticket to the WCWS.
In the first game, TTU got Mississippi State, which upset Oklahoma in supers. The Red Raiders had no issue blowing past the Bulldogs, winning via an 8-0 run-rule.
Highlights from our first win at the WCWS!
🎥 Tech 8, Mississippi State 0 pic.twitter.com/Lo5FA6bAts
— Texas Tech Softball (@TexasTechSB) May 28, 2026
More From RTI: Tennessee Softball Set for WCWS Matchup Against Lady Vol Who Left as Controversial Transfer
Texas Tech is effective both at the plate and in the circle, but its bats are what pose the biggest threat. The Red Raiders have four batters hitting above a .400 mark this season. This features Kaitlyn Terry (.455), Jackie Lis (.444), Mia Williams (.438) and Mihyia Davis (.435). The team’s leader in home runs is Williams at 24, with Lis right behind her at 21, as well.
Another bat to know is Taylor Pannell. She is a former Lady Vol who left in controversial fashion this offseason. This year, Pannell is hitting at a .354 clip in 65 appearances and starts. She has also belted 12 home runs to drive in 57 runs and score 59 herself.
In the circle, there are two main names to know. The ace of the group is NiJaree Canady, who owns a 1.74 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 26-6 record. Terry, also the team’s leader in batting average, is a two-way force, as well. She has posted a 1.67 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and a 24-1 record.
“I mean, just a super talented team,” Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly said about Texas Tech. “Again, a team that can go deep in pitching. Haven’t had to rely on one arm, just like we haven’t had to. A stacked lineup. Up and down all the way through, one through nine. Yeah, I mean, they’ve got everything you would want from a talent perspective.”
First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at 3 p.m. ET on ABC in Oklahoma City.
