Texas Tech Softball Stays Perfect with Dominant Win Over NC State
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Texas Tech is making a habit of turning games into statements. The No. 1-ranked Red Raiders continued their early-season tear on Saturday, dismantling NC State 14-1 in just five innings. That marks their seventh run-rule victory in their first 10 games - and if there were any doubts about their top ranking, this team is doing its best to erase them.
Let’s start in the circle, where Kaitlyn Terry continues to look every bit the ace. The junior left-hander was locked in from the first pitch, striking out the side in the opening inning on just 12 pitches.
She finished with eight punchouts over five innings, allowing only two hits and one run. It's her fourth win of the season, and her fourth straight outing with six or more strikeouts - a personal best and a sign she’s trending in exactly the right direction.
Offensively, Texas Tech didn’t waste any time. Head coach Craig Snider shuffled the top of the order, flipping Mihyia Davis and Mia Williams in the one-two spots.
That move paid off immediately. Williams led off the game with an infield single, and Davis followed with a no-doubt two-run homer to right field.
That early spark set the tone for what quickly turned into a rout.
By the end of the third inning, the Red Raiders had already built an 8-0 lead. Jasmyn Burns and Desirae Spearman both went deep in the third - each hitting their second home run of the season - adding to the early onslaught.
The power is real, but what’s even more impressive is how balanced this lineup is. Nine of the 10 batters reached base in the game, and the Red Raiders mixed in timely singles with the long ball to keep the pressure on.
NC State managed to scratch across a run in the fourth, briefly delaying the inevitable, but Tech answered with a six-run bottom half of the inning. It wasn’t just about power - the Red Raiders strung together six singles, took advantage of a walk and an error, and showed they can manufacture runs just as effectively as they can slug them.
Davis and Williams combined for five hits, four runs and four RBIs out of the top two spots, and they’re quickly becoming one of the most dynamic duos in the nation. Add in the depth from hitters like Spearman, Burns, Lauren Allred, Alana Johnson and even Terry helping her own cause, and it’s clear this offense can beat you in a lot of different ways.
What’s Next: The Red Raiders aren’t done in Clearwater just yet.
They’ll take on James Madison later today at 3:30 p.m. CT before wrapping up the weekend against No.
8 Nebraska tomorrow. If Texas Tech keeps playing like this - dominant in the circle, explosive at the plate, and deep from top to bottom - they’re going to be a tough out for anyone, anywhere.