By Gianna Postiglione, Intern Journalist
Publication Date: June 3, 2026
For the second year in a row, the Women's College World Series (WCWS) comes down to the Lone Star State.
The first game of the WCWS Championship Series in Oklahoma City begins Wednesday night between Texas and Texas Tech. This is a best of three series where the Longhorns and the Red Raiders will have a rematch of last year's Championship Series.
Texas is looking to take their second program title behind stars Teagan Kavan and Reese Atwood, while Texas Tech is looking to prove their quick rise isn't a fluke. They’re working to take their first ever National Championship led by the No. 2 overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League draft, NiJaree Canady.
Much of the Red Raiders' success has come behind the pitching power duo of Canady and Kaitlyn Terry. Head Coach Gerry Glasco, who had an unorthodox route to coaching at the college level, has used these two interchangeably throughout the season. Hitting .438 on the season, it's easy to keep Terry in the lineup. This allows Coach Glasco to simply make a position change with the left-hander Terry, and the right-hander Canady. With a combined 1.82 ERA, the pair makes the job of the hitter very difficult, totaling 421 strikeouts on the season.
In the circle for the Longhorns, Teagan Kavan has led the team through many elimination games this tournament and right back to the Championship Series for the second year in a row. The junior has consistently stepped up in big moments throughout her career, and is looking to continue throughout this series. She's not alone in this pursuit to the chip, senior and the No. 7 overall pick in the AUSL, Reese Atwood, will be catching for her.
In Oklahoma City, on the biggest stage, the stakes don’t get much higher, as two of the best teams in the nation compete for the title.
Championship Series Schedule
Game 1: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – 7 p.m. CT (ESPN)
Game 2: Thursday, June 4, 2026 – 7 p.m. CT (ESPN)
Game 3 (if-necessary): Friday, June 5, 2026 – 7 p.m. CT (ESPN)
Having two teams from Texas compete for the title for the second year in a row is a testament to how the game of softball is growing. With the addition of the AUSL last year and not one but two teams from Texas being in the championship is immense for the game, and shows how the sport continues to evolve.