No. 1 Tech Softball opens season with 13-3 win at McNeese State

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KCBD) - 244 days after ending their season in the final game of the Women’s College World Series, this year’s team- the No. 1 Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0) began this year’s quest for Oklahoma City with a 13-3 win at McNeese State.

In her 2026 debut, pitcher NiJaree Canady allowed one earned run in her four innings on the mound and struck out three Cowgirls.

Coach Gerry Glasco’s team struck early in the first inning with RBIs from Mia Williams, Jasmyn Burns, and Hailey Toney (three-run home run) gave the Red Raiders a 5-0 lead in their first inning of the season. Toney and Williams both completed the game with 4 RBIs each.

The top-ranked Red Raiders return to action in the morning in Lake Charles, La. to face North Texas at 11 a.m., followed by a 1:30 p.m. game with Louisiana-Monroe.