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NiJaree Canady pitches Texas Tech to Big 12 Championship

by: Jason Rhea05/10/25
Screenshot 2025-05-10 at 10.58.23 AM
Courtesy of Big 12 Athletics

Texas Tech rode the right arm of NiJaree Canady and some hot bats on their way to a Big 12 Championship. It was a clean sweep of the regular season and postseason tournament for the Red Raiders. Texas Tech is a team that nobody wants to face heading into the NCAA Tournament and will likely be in the 14-16 seeding range.

“It’s hard to lose when you don’t give up any runs. A great job to our pitching coach and hitting coach for being prepared.” Those were the words of Gerry Glasco when asked about this weekend’s performance.

Riding the momentum from yesterday’s record-setting offensive performance, Texas Tech used a four-run second inning. Bailey Lindemuth got things started with a hard hit to right field. She advanced to third after a pair of wild pitches from Arizona starter Ryan Maddox. Victoria Valdez laced a single up the middle for a 1-0 Red Raider lead. Next, Hailey Toney laced a triple off the wall to score a pair for the 3-0 advantage. Finally, Mihyia Davis knocked in Toney with an RBI single for the big inning and a 4-0 lead.

The four runs were all that Canady needed in the one-hit shutout of Arizona. Following the game, she was named most valuable player of the tournament. For the tournament, she pitched 16.2 innings, allowing just four hits and striking out 26 batters. Additionally, in three games, Canady did not allow a runner further than second base all tournament.

The Wildcats had their best opportunity to scratch back in the sixth inning. A Dakota Kennedy walk and a Regan Shockey infield single had runners at first and second with one out. However, Canady fielded a come-backer off of Netz for a third-to-first double play to end the threat.

Arizona finishes an outstanding Big 12 season with a 45-11 record and Big 12 Player of the Year in Devyn Netz. With a number 12 RPI and 17 top 50 wins on the year, the Wildcats will have no stress in tomorrow’s selection show. Arizona should find itself in the 10-13 range and will stay home for Regionals.

Texas Tech finishes the Big 12 season with a 45-12 record and has locked down a hosting spot as well. Even though the RPI is sitting at 19 is not ideal, this win gives them eight Quad One wins and 15 top 50 overall wins. With only one bad loss, the Red Raiders will enjoy the confines of Lubbock for Regional play.

“Our RPI is a little deceptive because a couple of those losses were with Nija out. So, I think the committee will look at that and I think we will be closer to 8 than we will 16,” Gerry Glaco on where his Red Raiders might be in the NCAA Tournament seedings tomorrow.

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