Atwood's Unexpected Hit Secures Texas a 2-1 Victory Over Texas Tech in WCWS Finals Opener

In a thrilling clash at the Women's College World Series finals in Oklahoma City, Reese Atwood's bat delivered a surprise twist. Atwood drove a go-ahead, two-run single for Texas on a pitch meant to be an intentional walk, leading the Longhorns to a narrow 2-1 victory over Texas Tech in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Teagan Kavan showcased her talents with a masterful three-hitter for Texas, pushing the team closer to its first national title. The Longhorns, with a 54-11 record, need just one more win in Game 2 to secure the crown. Meanwhile, Texas Tech faces the daunting task of winning back-to-back games to claim their first championship in their inaugural WCWS appearance.

NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech's ace, battled fiercely with seven strikeouts, despite being somewhat of a thorn in her own side, having now fallen four times in five starts against Texas. The night's decisive play occurred when Canady's attempt at a wide pitch to intentionally walk Atwood veered letter-high, only for Atwood to eagerly convert it into a powerful grounder through the left side, tipping the game in Texas' favor.

“I made that mistake,” Canady reflected, taking responsibility for the misstep. “I think that loss is on me, and I apologize to my team.”

The sixth inning began with high hopes for Texas Tech as Canady struck out the first two batters, but momentum shifted when Kayden Henry singled and Mia Scott followed with an infield hit, setting the stage for Atwood’s pivotal play.

The lone strike for Texas Tech came courtesy of a peculiar play. Logan Halleman, pinch-hitting, reached on a fielding error and initially appeared out stealing second. However, after a challenge, umpires ruled an obstruction on Texas shortstop Leighanne Goode, allowing Mihya Davis to subsequently drive Halleman home with a hit.

Kavan stood unyielding on the mound, keeping her postseason ERA spotless over 24 innings with a combined 15 strikeouts throughout her WCWS performances.

“Obviously it was a hard-fought game,” remarked Texas coach Mike White. “A game of inches indeed, with stellar performances on both sides. NiJaree Canady showcased her prowess, but Teagan Kavan kept us steady toe-to-toe within a tight contest.”