OKLAHOMA CITY — No. 20 Mississippi State fell to No. 4 Texas Tech, 8-0, in the opening game of the Women’s College World Series Thursday morning. The Red Raiders (58-7) scored two runs in the first inning and added two more in the second. They sealed the game with a four-run fifth inning, aided by two errors.
Mississippi State, which entered the tournament with a 43-20 record, was limited offensively. Kinley Keller reached base in every plate appearance, drawing a walk and singling. Morgan Stiles extended her NCAA Tournament hitting streak to all 11 postseason games of her career.
Red Raiders pitcher Nijaree Canady (26-6) earned the win, retiring the first eight Bulldogs batters in order. The Bulldogs will face an elimination game Friday at 6 p.m. CT against the loser of the Texas-Tennessee matchup, which will be broadcast on ESPN.
Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts emphasized the need for her team to regain confidence and trust in their experience. She said the team plans to treat the upcoming game like a typical SEC Friday night contest, maintaining routine and focus.
Texas Tech’s offensive leaders included Mia Williams, who scored two runs and doubled, and Jackie Lis, who hit a home run and drove in three RBIs. The Red Raiders’ victory advances them to the next round of the tournament.
