Texas Tech Softball drops first Big 12 game of season

No. 2 Red Raiders fall 9-0 to No. 12/13 Arizona in five innings

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:07am

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No. 2 Texas Tech softball team dropped its first Big 12 contest of the season, losing 9-0 in five innings to No. 12/13 Arizona on Friday night. The Wildcats capitalized on two Red Raider errors in the third inning and hit back-to-back home runs, including a three-run shot. Arizona then loaded the bases and hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to put the game in run-rule territory. Texas Tech's offense struggled, recording just four hits.

Why it matters

This loss drops Texas Tech to 3-1 in Big 12 play, while Arizona improves to 4-0. The Red Raiders were ranked No. 2 nationally coming into the game, so this defeat against a top-15 opponent is an important early-season setback for the program.

The details

NiJaree Canady had 8 strikeouts through 4 innings for Texas Tech, but allowed 9 runs, 4 earned, before Samantha Lincoln came in to close out the game. The Red Raiders had a chance to score in the 4th inning with runners on 2nd and 3rd, but couldn't capitalize. Arizona's Jalen Adams forced a pair of pop flies and a groundout to get out of the jam.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

NiJaree Canady

Texas Tech pitcher who had 8 strikeouts but allowed 9 runs in 4 innings.

Samantha Lincoln

Texas Tech pitcher who came in to close out the game in the 5th inning.

Jasmyn Burns

Texas Tech player who had a single in the 4th inning.

Taylor Pannell

Texas Tech player who hit a double in the 4th inning.

Jalen Adams

Arizona pitcher who got out of a jam in the 4th inning.

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What’s next

The Red Raiders will continue their series against the Wildcats on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at noon.

The takeaway

This loss is an early-season setback for the highly-ranked Texas Tech softball team, as they drop their first Big 12 game of the season against a top-15 opponent. The Red Raiders will look to bounce back in the remaining games of the series against Arizona.