Texas Tech makes first trip to Women's College World Series

LUBBOCK, Texas – The No. 12-seed Red Raiders (50-12) will make another trip to Oklahoma City this weekend but this time on the biggest stage in the sport. Texas Tech is heading to its first Women's College World Series in program history this weekend, continuing its list of historic accomplishments this season. Tech will face Ole Miss (42-19) at 6 p.m. on Thursday in Session 2 of the WCWS.

It will be a battle of first-time programs as this is the Rebels first appearance in OKC as well. Ole Miss advanced out of the Tucson Regional, taking down No. 13 Arizona before defeating No. 4 Arkansas in the Super Regional on Sunday. Tech is 1-2 all time against Ole Miss but haven't played them since the 2001 season.

Previously in Tech softball:

Texas Tech's historic season began another chapter as the Red Raiders advanced to their first ever WCWS. So far, Tech has done several 'firsts' including winning the Big 12 Regular Season, Big 12 Tournament, hosting a Regional, advancing to a Super Regional and ultimately winning a Super Regional.

NiJaree Canady is still at the top of her game. She boasts a 0.89 ERA and is 30-5 on the season. Her ERA is first in the nation and her wins are second most in program history for a season. Canady was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and a POTY Top 3 Finalist. The junior has also swung the bat more this season, leading the team with 11 home runs.

Senior outfielder Demi Elder has been a huge lift for the Red Raider offense since returning to the starting lineup. Since Elder's return the team is 27-3 and she has reached base safely in 26 of those 30 games.

Mihyia Davis continues to prove why she is one of the best outfielders in the country. The junior speedster has also been hitting for power lately, totaling a career-high five home runs to go along with 10 doubles and 6 triples while swiping 26 bases. Davis is not only a good bat, but a highlight reel in the outfield as she was Big 12 All-First Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team. Davis has also tied the program record for runs in a season (63) and is second in program history for hits in a season (85).

The left side of Gerry Glasco's infield is played by freshmen. Hailey Toney has started every game at shortstop this season - the only freshman from a power four school to do so - while Bailey Lindemuth has played 60 of her 62 games at third base (the other two coming in the circle). Both were named to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team.

The WCWS bracket can be found here.

Texas Tech makes first trip to Women's College World Series

Players Mentioned

NiJaree Canady

Mihyia Davis

Demi Elder

Bailey Lindemuth

Hailey Toney

Related Videos