Texas Tech Upsets Oklahoma in Thrilling Semifinal, Punches Ticket to Women’s College World Series Final

In a shocking turn of events at the Women’s College World Series, the Texas Tech Red Raiders pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent NCAA softball history, toppling perennial powerhouse Oklahoma to secure their spot in the championship series. With grit, determination, and fearless execution, Texas Tech not only ended the Sooners’ run but also announced themselves as a rising force on the national stage.

The Red Raiders, entering the semifinals as underdogs against a battle-hardened Oklahoma squad that has dominated college softball for much of the past decade, displayed poise far beyond their experience. They won in dramatic fashion, capitalizing on key moments and playing with a level of composure that seemed to rattle even the most seasoned Sooners.

Heading into the game, few gave Texas Tech a chance. Oklahoma, with multiple national titles in the last decade and a roster filled with All-Americans, was expected to roll into the finals. But from the very first pitch, it was clear that this was not going to be a typical matchup.

Texas Tech pitcher Kayleigh Sanders, a junior who had flown under the radar for much of the season, delivered the performance of her career. Facing one of the most dangerous batting lineups in the country, Sanders threw a complete game, striking out nine and allowing only one earned run. Her ability to mix speeds and hit the corners kept the Sooners off balance all night.

The turning point came in the fifth inning. With the score tied 1–1 and two outs, Texas Tech’s senior slugger Maya Delgado stepped up to the plate. With runners on first and second, Delgado drilled a 2-1 pitch deep over the center field fence, electrifying the Red Raider fans and giving her team a 4–1 lead.

Oklahoma responded in the sixth with a solo homer, but Texas Tech’s defense held firm, preventing any further damage. A diving grab in left field by freshman sensation Tiana Grant in the seventh sealed the deal and sent the Red Raiders storming onto the field in celebration.

Texas Tech’s rise to the championship series is more than just a Cinderella story—it’s a testament to a culture shift within the program. Head coach Melanie Anderson, in her fourth season, has transformed a team once considered an afterthought into a national contender.

Anderson credited her players for buying into the vision and staying committed through tough stretches. The Red Raiders, who finished middle-of-the-pack in the Big 12 just two years ago, now find themselves two wins away from a national title.

For Oklahoma, the loss is a bitter pill. The Sooners came into the game riding a 12-game postseason win streak and were widely expected to defend their crown. But on this night, the bats didn’t fire as expected, and uncharacteristic defensive errors proved costly.

Head coach Patty Gasso offered no excuses. “Texas Tech came in and played fearless softball. They earned every bit of this win,” she said. “It hurts, but that’s the nature of this tournament. One game can flip everything.”

Texas Tech now advances to the best-of-three Women’s College World Series Finals, where they’ll face either Florida State or UCLA. Regardless of the opponent, one thing is clear—the Red Raiders are no longer the underdog story. They’re a championship threat.

With momentum on their side, a fearless roster, and a coach who has inspired belief at every turn, Texas Tech will take the field again with history in sight. One more giant could fall. One more surprise may be in store. But make no mistake: Texas Tech is no longer knocking on the door—they’ve kicked it down.