As it turns out, there were multiple ways to end the Oklahoma softball dynasty.
Coach Mike White and Texas methodically laid a foundation, brick by brick, first getting to super regionals, then reaching the Women’s College World Series championship series twice before falling to the Sooners both times. With a rugged, experienced team that snapped out of a late-season funk at the last possible moment, the Longhorns took down Oklahoma for the first time ever in the WCWS on Saturday, snagging a 4-2 win on their way to a third championship series in four years.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, just went out and signed the best player in the country last summer. That worked, too. NiJaree Canady led the Red Raiders to their first WCWS this season, allowing just one run in two wins, then outlasted Oklahoma’s Sam Landry in a thrilling 3-2 victory on Monday night.
A breathless and thrilling WCWS, one that has featured walk-off home runs, pitching duels, late-night extra-inning affairs and, now, a fallen champion, will get the fitting ending it deserves.
Texas and Texas Tech will meet for the national title in a best-of-three series starting…
