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.
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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.
