NiJaree to Game Three: Topeka High product NiJaree Canady leads her Texas Tech team in a win over Texas tonight in game two of the Women’s College World Series Finals to even the series 1-1 with Texas forcing a game three take all championship. Canady struck out six in the 4-3 win as the threw a complete game for the second consecutive night in the CWS Finals. Canady, in her first year with TT with a 34-6 pitching record on the season, after earning multiple player and pitcher of the year honors at Stanford the last two seasons before getting reportedly 1M+ NIL deal with TT. She was a 2x Sports in Kansas 🥎 POY in high school and also an all state basketball player. #sportsinkansas photo: Texas Tech Softball

NiJaree Canady Forces Game Three With Dominant Performance in CWS Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY — With the Women’s College World Series Finals on the line, Topeka native NiJaree Canady delivered once again, leading Texas Tech to a gritty 4-3 win over Texas on Thursday night to even the championship series at 1-1 and force a decisive Game Three.

Canady, a former Topeka High School standout, tossed her second complete game in as many nights, striking out six Longhorns while navigating a powerful Texas lineup under the bright lights of Hall of Fame Stadium. Her poise and dominance in the circle have been nothing short of spectacular during the postseason, and she continues to cement her reputation as one of the nation’s premier pitchers.

In her first season with Texas Tech, Canady boasts a remarkable 34-6 record. She transferred to Lubbock after two decorated years at Stanford, where she earned multiple national honors, including Pitcher and Player of the Year awards. Her transition to TTU came with significant attention — and a reported seven-figure NIL deal that made headlines nationwide.

“NiJa has been incredible for us all season,” said Texas Tech head coach Stacy Adams. “She’s a competitor, a leader, and the ultimate teammate. Tonight, she gave us everything she had — again — and kept our championship hopes alive.”

Thursday’s victory was fueled by timely hitting and aggressive base running from the Red Raiders, but it was Canady’s presence that anchored the effort. Despite facing pressure in the late innings, the junior held firm, stranding the potential tying run on second in the seventh to seal the win.

With the series now tied 1-1, all eyes shift to Friday night’s winner-take-all showdown. It’s a fitting conclusion to a thrilling WCWS, and Canady — whose journey has captivated fans across the country — will again be the focal point.

A two-time Sports in Kansas Softball Player of the Year during her high school days, Canady was also a standout on the basketball court. Her multi-sport roots and relentless work ethic have fueled a meteoric rise, from Topeka to Stanford to Texas Tech and now the national stage.

“She’s built for moments like this,” said a former coach. “She’s been special since day one.”

With one game left to decide the national champion, NiJaree Canady has already etched her name into WCWS history — and she’s not done yet.

Photo: Texas Tech Softball | #sportsinkansas

Texas Tech Red Reders football News