On the Diamond
The Lady Raiders host Brown University in Game 1 of the the NCAA Lubbock Regional. Go Wreck ‘Em ladies.
Friday
Game 1: Texas Tech vs. Brown – 4:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Game 2: Mississippi State vs. Washington – 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
NiJaree Canady is still at the top of her game. She boasts a 0.81 ERA and is 26-5 on the season. Her ERA leads the nation, and her wins are second most in program history for a season. Canady was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, unanimously, and was also a First Team All-Big 12 selection in her first year in the league.
Senior outfielder Demi Elder has been a huge lift for the Red Raiders offense since returning to the starting lineup. Since Elder’s return the team is 22-3 and she has reached base safely in 23 of those 25 games.
Mihyia Davis continues to improve. The junior speedster has also been hitting for power lately, totaling a career-high five home runs to go along with 10 doubles and 6 triples while swiping 24 bases. Davis is not only a good bat, but a highlight real in the outfield as she was Big 12 All-First Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team.
The left side of Gerry Glasco’s infield is played by freshmen. Hailey Toney has started every game at shortstop this season – the only freshman from a power four school to do so – while Bailey Lindemuth has played 55 of her 57 games at third base (the other two coming in the circle). Both were named to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team.
Texas Tech baseball had a terrible game in Utah as they were blown out by BYU 13-4, largely because of a 7-run 4th inning. Game 2 is tonight at 7:00 p.m.
On the Gridiron
CBS Sports has their post-spring power rankings and they have Texas Tech right behind No. 1 Arizona State:
Texas Tech contended with LSU for the top transfer class of the offseason with 21 portal additions and 13 four-star recruits. Joey McGuire’s has an argument for the talented roster in the Big 12 and a defense that should come together under new coordinator Shiel Wood. Expectations are off the charts. (+600)
ESPN has a top storylines 100 days out from week 0 of the start of college football and it’s a good overall read if you’re a college football fan. This is just a bit (it is a very long article) and they think that Texas Tech is the 7th most likely new team (i.e. a team that has not made the CFP previously) to make the CFP:
7. Texas Tech: This might come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with the program, but coach Joey McGuire has landed one of the top transfer portal classes in the country, and the overall financial backing of the program has been significant in recent years. The Red Raiders reportedly spent more than $10 million to sign 17 players, with a focus on both lines. If they can avoid upsets and earn a winning record against Arizona State, K-State and BYU, the Red Raiders can be a surprise Big 12 — and CFP — contender.
For context, this is how they have the top 10 teams most likely to earn a College Football Playoff spot:
1. Illinois
2. South Carolina
3. Miami
4. Iowa State
5. BYU
6. Kansas State
7. Texas Tech
8. Florida
9. Louisville
10. Texas A&M
