No. 1 Texas Tech Rallies Late to Defeat Utah State Softball

Aggies' comeback bid falls short as Red Raiders pull away with 11-run 6th inning

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with overlapping planes of bright colors representing the players, field, and ball in motion.The Aggies' valiant comeback effort against the nation's top-ranked softball team showcased their competitive spirit and ability to challenge the best.Washington Today

Utah State softball put up a valiant effort against the nation's top-ranked team, taking a 7-6 lead in the 5th inning after a 7-run outburst. However, No. 1 Texas Tech responded with an 11-run 6th inning to pull away for a 17-7 mercy rule victory over the Aggies.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the competitive spirit of the Utah State softball team, who nearly pulled off a massive upset over the top-ranked Red Raiders. While the Aggies ultimately fell short, their impressive comeback attempt showed they can compete with the best teams in the country.

The details

Utah State trailed 6-0 before erupting for 7 runs in the 5th inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Kya Pratt and a 2-run homer from Grace Matej. But Texas Tech responded with 11 runs in the 6th, including 3 home runs, to run away with the victory. The Red Raiders took advantage of 6 walks and 1 error by the Aggies in the decisive 6th inning.

  • In the 2nd inning, Texas Tech hit a 2-run home run to take a 2-0 lead.
  • The Red Raiders scored 3 more runs in the 4th inning to extend their lead to 6-0.
  • Utah State scored 7 runs in the 5th inning to take a 7-6 lead.
  • Texas Tech exploded for 11 runs in the 6th inning to win the game 17-7 via the mercy rule.

The players

Kya Pratt

Utah State softball player who hit a grand slam in the 5th inning to help the Aggies mount their comeback.

Grace Matej

Utah State softball player who hit a 2-run home run in the 5th inning as part of the Aggies' 7-run outburst.

Lauren Allred

Texas Tech softball player who went 4-for-4 with a home run, 5 RBIs and 2 runs scored to lead the Red Raiders' offense.

Jasmyn Burns

Texas Tech softball player who hit 2 home runs as part of the Red Raiders' 11-run 6th inning.

Samantha Lincoln

Texas Tech softball pitcher who did not allow a walk through the first 4 innings before the Aggies' comeback in the 5th.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This game showcased the resilience and competitive spirit of the Utah State softball team, who nearly pulled off a massive upset over the nation's top-ranked program. While the Aggies ultimately fell short, their impressive comeback attempt demonstrated their ability to compete with the best teams in the country.