The strategy was clear—Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady was set to intentionally walk Reese Atwood.
But Atwood had a different plan.
Stuck in a hitting slump during the Women’s College World Series, the Texas standout ignored the green light and swung at a 3-0 pitch. The result? A clutch single past the shortstop that brought in two crucial runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. That pivotal moment pushed Texas ahead, and pitcher Teagan Kavan ensured the lead held, tossing a complete game with only three hits allowed in front of 12,109 energized fans at Devon Park.
“I was just trying to stay ready for anything,” Atwood said. “Credit to NiJa for keeping us on edge all night. But I saw a chance and went for it.”
With that hit, the All-American junior catcher flipped the game’s momentum, giving the Longhorns a 2-1 win in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals. Now, the sixth-seeded Longhorns sit just one victory away from clinching their first-ever national softball title.
Despite early struggles—including a season-high four errors and just one hit in the first five innings—Texas found its spark late. Three hits in the sixth inning, capped by Atwood’s two-run single, made all the difference.
“She’s earned that All-American title,” said sophomore Kayden Henry, who started the rally with a base hit. Mia Scott followed with a perfectly placed bloop single and, despite battling a torn ACL, managed to steal second, setting the stage for Atwood’s heroics.
Pitcher Teagan Kavan (27-5) was solid all night, surrendering two hits early before locking in. “It’s Reese Atwood at the plate,” Kavan said. “I don’t care how many times she struck out before—she’s dangerous.”
Canady took responsibility after the game, admitting that the plan to walk Atwood backfired when her pitch landed in the strike zone. She expressed frustration over the miscue, saying, “That one’s on me. I’m a junior—I should have executed better.”
Tech coach Gerry Glasco also accepted blame for calling the team’s first intentional walk of the season. With a base open, he didn’t want to risk pitching to the nation’s top RBI producer, even if Atwood had been cold at the plate.
“She’s one of the most clutch hitters in college softball,” Glasco said. “And she showed why again tonight.”
That hit may be the biggest of the season for Texas, which has now won nine of its last ten postseason games. A national championship would cap off a dominant year for the program and add another title to the university’s athletic achievements.
Still, the job isn’t finished.
Canady reminded everyone postgame, “It’s only Game 1. We’ve got two more chances.”
Kavan remains a force for Texas, giving up only two runs across 24 WCWS innings. She maneuvered out of a tough first inning and faced controversy in the fifth when a runner was called safe on an obstruction ruling—despite appearing out on a steal. The call, while frustrating, aligned with current NCAA rules, according to Texas head coach Mike White, who previously served on the rules committee.
“That’s the rule as it’s written, even if it doesn’t always feel fair,” White said.
Luckily for the Longhorns, that call didn’t prove costly, thanks to Atwood’s late-game heroics. With Game 2 on the horizon, she’ll look to build on that confidence and help Texas secure its historic title. White, still seeking his first WCWS crown after eight appearances, is now one step closer.
While neither team has announced a starter for Thursday, it’s likely Canady will return to the circle.
“If I had to pick one pitcher to win two straight games with, I’d go with NiJa,” Glasco said. “But we know the opening innings will be key—we have to take the momentum back.”
Right now, though, Texas holds the edge—and Atwood is back in rhythm.