The No. 11 seed Texas Tech softball team defeated No. 6 Florida 10-8 in the opening game of the Gainesville Super Regional on Friday at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
Mia Williams hit a decisive two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning to break an 8-8 tie.
The win puts Texas Tech one victory away from the Women's College World Series.
The game featured multiple lead changes, including a three-run homer by Florida's Ava Brown in the sixth that briefly tied the score.
Florida head coach Tim Walton emphasized the importance of the postseason stage before the game.
"We have to go out there and take care of business, not just for Florida, but for the brand of softball and the NCAA, and show ABC what they're getting," Walton said.
He noted the competitive nature of both teams vying for a spot in Oklahoma City.
"They're getting two great teams who are going to fight to go to the [Women's] College World Series," Walton added.
Walton said his staff focused on keeping players grounded despite the high stakes.
"We talked about how you have to make it just another game," he said.
He stressed the importance of routines and preparation under postseason pressure.
"You have to understand how to breathe, understand your routines and understand how to prepare and work your tails off over the next three days," Walton said.
Walton also highlighted the impact of the home crowd at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
"Everything we do from practice to training to recruiting is to get to this point; to have two games to go to the College World Series," he said.
He reiterated the program's goal of providing athletes a chance to compete at the highest level.
"When you build a program, you want everybody you recruit to have an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
That's what it's going to be this weekend. It's going to be packed," Walton said.
He noted how fans can influence long at-bats.
"I think our crowd does a great job of supporting our team … can definitely impact winning," he said.
Walton recalled a recent 10-pitch at-bat by Kenleigh Cahalan that ended with a home run after the crowd rallied.
Texas Tech head coach Gerry Glasco praised the Florida program and the challenging environment.
"We're super excited to get to play in another Super Regional," Glasco said.
He expressed enthusiasm for competing at Florida's venue.
"We're excited about getting to go to the University of Florida in Gainesville. It's always a tremendous venue, it's a beautiful facility, tremendous fan base," Glasco said.
Glasco acknowledged the strategic challenge posed by Florida's defense and experienced staff.
"Extremely well coached, tremendous defensive team every year," he said.
He called playing a series in Gainesville one of the toughest hurdles for any visiting team.
"Very experienced coaching staff, it's a tough matchup for anybody to go into Florida," Glasco said.
He recalled past matchups at the venue during his tenures at Georgia and Texas A&M.
"I got to do that a few times at the University of Georgia and Texas A&M," he said.
Glasco also noted a memorable series with Louisiana in 2020.
"And even Louisiana. We played a three-game series there with Louisiana in 2020.
So, a lot of fun. Always, always a great atmosphere at Florida," he said.
Texas Tech second baseman Mia Williams, who transferred from Florida, shared a simple perspective on the matchup.
"Two really good teams playing softball," Williams said.
Florida outfielder Cassidy McLellan focused on her team's approach.
"We're just focusing on the Gators," McLellan said.
She emphasized controlling what they can control.
"Controlling what we can control and playing Gator softball," she said.
Florida senior third baseman Kendall Grover praised redshirt freshman Townsen Thomas's versatility.
"It's really fun to watch," Grover said.
She noted Thomas's ability to mix power hitting with a strong short game.
"It's super cool seeing her be able to hit a bomb and then play the short game. You just don't know what's coming," Grover said.
Regarding pitching, Florida relied on Keagan Rothrock, with Walton confirming his postseason strategy.
"I think we can all look at — and talk about — who the No. 1 pitcher for the Florida Gators is," Walton said.
He affirmed his trust in his ace.
"It's Keagan Rothrock," Walton said.
Game 2 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at 11:30 a. m.
and will air nationally on ABC.
