HISTORIC DOMINANCE ON THE DIAMOND: Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady Delivers First CWS No‑Hitter in 65 Years – Smashes Program Strikeout Record with 19 Ks as Red Raiders Clinch Thrilling Win
Lubbock, Texas — June 22, 2025
In what can only be described as a performance for the ages, Texas Tech ace NiJaree Canady etched her name in the history books yet again, hurling the first no-hitter at the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) since 1960—and only the third ever—while amassing a staggering 19 strikeouts, setting a new single-game record for the program. With this powerhouse outing, Texas Tech’s dominance on the national stage grew even deeper, shocking rivals and electrifying Red Raider Nation.
A Rare Feat — A Century of Records Rewritten in One Night
Canady’s gem came against a formidable opponent, as the pressure of WCWS play loomed large. Yet, from the first pitch, she controlled the game with absolute authority: hitters were baffled, balls were fouled off in frustration, and the crowd watched in disbelief as she struck out batter after batter.
Her 19 strikeouts didn’t just edge past Texas Tech’s previous mark—they obliterated it—solidifying her reputation as one of the greatest postseason pitchers of all time. This wasn’t merely a dominant performance—it was a message to the entire softball world.
Context: A Legacy of Legendary No-Hitters
No-hitters at the College World Series are legendary rarities:
The last came in 1960, punctuated by athletic feats largely lost to time.
Canady’s outing marks the third in WCWS history, immediately elevating her legacy to legends like Gage Wood of Arkansas, who delivered a baseball CWS no-hitter with 19 strikeouts back in 1950 .
But unlike those moments in men’s baseball, this is women’s softball history, and it’s taking place under red and black skies over Lubbock.
Tech’s Timely Run: How This Win Propels Their WCWS Charge
This historic performance didn’t just shatter records—it propelled Texas Tech deeper into their WCWS journey. Riding the momentum of a dominant win, the Red Raiders now look poised for a serious title push.
Earlier in the series, Canady threw a clutch seven-inning shutout in their WCWS debut, striking out 10 batters and surrendering only two hits over a 1–0 upset of Ole Miss . But this no-hitter—against stiff WCWS-level competition—cements her status as the flag-bearer of Tech’s postseason run.
Canady: A Career Defined by Records and Resilience
Canady’s résumé is already nothing short of legendary. The junior transfer from Stanford leads the nation in strikeouts, ERA, and wins this season, boasting gaudy stats like:
34–7 overall record with a 0.97 ERA
Over 317 strikeouts
Her second consecutive NFCA National Pitcher of the Year award
A prestigious Big 12 Pitcher of the Year title
She’s twice broken program strikeout records, launched multiple seven-figure NIL deals, and now has a WCWS no-hitter to her name—an accomplishment only two others have done.
The Larger Impact: More Than Just a Game
Canady’s performance transcends the box score. It highlights the growth not only of Texas Tech’s softball program—but also of women’s collegiate athletics as a whole. Her feats draw national attention: packed stadiums, seven-figure sponsorship deals, and a mainstream sports narrative that no longer relegates female athletes to the sidelines .
Being the first softball player in school history—and perhaps NCAA softball—to deliver a WCWS no-hitter in over six decades, she’s become a symbol of the sport’s rising stature.
Looking Ahead: A Championship Within Reach
With this gem tucked in her cap, Texas Tech heads into the rest of the WCWS full of momentum. Canady’s arm remains rested, her confidence unfettered, and her focus razor-sharp.
In the words of Oklahoma City’s elite crowd, “We’re watching history.”
Now, the mission is clear:
Advance to the WCWS finals
Seek the national title to match her legendary performance
Continue elevating the program to heights previously unimaginable
Should Tech clinch the title, it would complete a postseason narrative anchored by a no-hitter, record-breaking strikeouts, and unshakable will.
The Final Word: A Signature Moment in Red and Black
NiJaree Canady’s no-hitter isn’t just a game—it’s a moment frozen in time, a high watermark for Texas Tech, and a testament to what’s possible when elite talent meets unwavering support. It reminds us all: in Lubbock, under the weight of tradition and the spotlight of history, legends are born—and sometimes, reborn.
Tonight, the softball world watched. On this night, Te
xas Tech roared. And on this night, NiJaree Canady made history.
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