Women's College World Series Game 1: Texas surges past Texas Tech early for easy 7-3 win

Texas defeated Texas Tech 7-3 in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series championship series, moving one win closer to a repeat national title. The Longhorns dominated early, taking a 5-1 lead in the first inning and never trailing again. Katie Stewart, Viviana Martinez, Ashton Maloney, and Kaiah Altmeyer each drove in two runs, while junior pitcher Teagan Kavan threw a complete game, allowing just three runs on three hits with six strikeouts. Texas Tech struggled offensively and defensively, as head coach Gerry Glasco shuffled his pitching staff frequently. Starter Kaitlyn Terry lasted only two-thirds of an inning before being pulled, and NiJaree Canady—who had pitched well in the semifinals—was inserted but allowed two more runs. The Red Raiders scored once in the first inning on a home run by Mihyia Davis and another in the fifth by Mia Williams, but Texas built an insurmountable 6-3 lead by the fourth inning. Stewart’s fourth home run in four games sparked the Texas offense, and the Longhorns added runs in the third, fourth, and seventh innings. Kavan, the 2025 WCWS Most Outstanding Player, faced 19 batters after the first inning without allowing another hit until the fifth, when Williams’ homer cut the deficit to 6-3. Texas Tech’s bullpen failed to rally, and the Longhorns closed out the game with a 7-3 victory. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Devon Park, with Game 3 possible on Friday if needed. Texas, which won the 2025 championship in a three-game sweep over Texas Tech, now has a chance to become the first repeat champion in program history. The Red Raiders will need a strong performance to stay alive in the series.