No. 2 Texas Tech softball opens Big 12 play by sweeping Houston in Friday doubleheader

Texas Tech’s pitching and speed set the tone in Houston

Texas Tech’s No. 2-ranked softball team began Big 12 Conference play Friday, March 6, 2026, with a doubleheader sweep at Houston, winning 10-0 and 11-1 in games shortened to five innings. The results moved the Red Raiders to 24-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while Houston fell to 15-9 overall and 0-2 in league action.

The opener was defined by a no-hit performance from Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady, who improved to 9-1 this season while recording her second no-hitter of the year. Over her last three starts, Canady has gone 3-0 with 28 strikeouts and allowed one hit in 15 innings, a stretch that underscores the early-season strength of Texas Tech’s pitching staff.

Game 1: Early power, clean defense and a no-hitter

Texas Tech scored immediately in the first game and never allowed Houston to threaten offensively. The Red Raiders built a multi-run cushion early and extended it with extra-base hits and situational execution. Mihyia Davis delivered a two-home-run game in the opener, and Mia Williams added a solo home run to push the game into run-rule territory. A defensive play at third base in the fifth inning sealed the final out of Canady’s no-hitter as Texas Tech closed the 10-0 win.

Game 2: Pressure on the bases and controlled pitching

In the second game, Texas Tech again scored in the first inning and expanded the margin quickly, combining hits with aggressive baserunning. Pitcher Kaitlyn Terry earned the win to improve to 10-0. Houston’s only run of the day came in the fourth inning and was unearned after an error put the leadoff hitter in scoring position. Texas Tech finished the second game 11-1, completing a sweep that featured sustained offensive pressure across both contests.

Key statistical themes: stolen bases and strike control

Across the doubleheader, Texas Tech went 10-for-10 on stolen-base attempts, reflecting a speed-driven approach that consistently moved runners into scoring position and amplified the impact of contact hitting. The Red Raiders also recorded five sacrifice flies and drew nine walks while striking out only three times at the plate, an efficiency profile that limited empty at-bats.

• Combined score: Texas Tech 21, Houston 1 (two five-inning games)

• Texas Tech pitchers: 13 strikeouts, one walk in 10 innings

• Stolen bases: 10-for-10 for Texas Tech in the doubleheader

The doubleheader opened Big 12 play with Texas Tech moving to 2-0 in conference action.

What’s next

The three-game series was scheduled to continue in Houston on Saturday, March 7, with a 2 p.m. local start.