No. 2 Red Raiders Improve to 15-1 After Wins Over Cal State Fullerton and San Diego State

NiJaree Canady shines in the circle for Texas Tech softball team at Mary Nutter Classic

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The No. 2 Texas Tech Red Raiders softball team improved to 15-1 on the season after defeating Cal State Fullerton 6-3 and San Diego State 5-0 on the third day of the Mary Nutter Classic in Palm Springs, California. NiJaree Canady was stellar in the circle, picking up a save and a win while allowing just one hit across the two games. Taylor Pannell hit a three-run home run against Fullerton, and the Red Raiders used small ball tactics to score against San Diego State.

Why it matters

The Red Raiders are off to an impressive 15-1 start to the season, showcasing their depth and talent on the mound and at the plate. As one of the top-ranked teams in the country, their performance at the Mary Nutter Classic will help build momentum heading into conference play.

The details

In the first game against Cal State Fullerton, Pannell's three-run homer in the fifth inning gave the Red Raiders a 4-0 lead. Kaitlyn Terry struck out six batters and improved to 5-0 on the season, though she did give up three runs in the third inning. Canady came in to earn the save, striking out three of the six batters she faced. In the second game against San Diego State, the Red Raiders scored four runs using small ball tactics, with Desirae Spearman, Lagi Quiroga, and Mihyia Davis all driving in runs. Canady was dominant, striking out 11 batters and allowing just one hit over 6.0 innings.

  • The games were played on February 21, 2026 as part of the third day of the Mary Nutter Classic in Palm Springs, California.

The players

NiJaree Canady

The reigning National Pitcher of the Year, Canady was stellar in the circle for the Red Raiders, picking up a save and a win while allowing just one hit across the two games.

Taylor Pannell

Pannell blasted a three-run home run against Cal State Fullerton, finishing the game with five RBIs.

Kaitlyn Terry

Terry struck out six batters and improved to 5-0 on the season in the win over Cal State Fullerton.

Desirae Spearman

Spearman got the scoring started for the Red Raiders in the second game against San Diego State with a single up the middle.

Lagi Quiroga

Quiroga drove in a run for the Red Raiders with a sacrifice fly in the second game against San Diego State.

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What’s next

The No. 2 Red Raiders will face UC Riverside on February 22, 2026 to close out the Mary Nutter Classic tournament.

The takeaway

The Red Raiders' dominant performances against Cal State Fullerton and San Diego State, led by the stellar pitching of NiJaree Canady and timely hitting from players like Taylor Pannell, showcase the team's depth and talent as one of the top-ranked programs in the country.