Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady throws during the first game of the NCAA softball Women's College World Series finals against Texas in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. (AP photo)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — NiJaree Canady has achieved almost everything since transferring to Texas Tech from Stanford and signing an NIL deal worth just over $1 million.

She led the Red Raiders to three firsts — the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles and a berth in the Women’s College World Series. She was the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s Pitcher of the Year for the second straight year and leads the nation in wins (33) and ERA (0.94).

The only thing missing is a national championship and that goal will be the toughest to reach after she gave up a late lead in Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series to Texas on Wednesday. After the 2-1 loss, the Red Raiders must beat the Longhorns in two straight to win the national title.

Canady, who threw 88 pitches in Game 1, is battling a soft tissue injury on her left leg suffered in the preseason that has severely limited her practice time. She was still expecting to be ready for Game 2 when it was played on Thursday.

“I’m fine,” a dejected Canady said. “I have all summer to rest. I’m ready to play softball.”

Canady lost the lead when she threw what was supposed be ball four and an intentional walk close enough for Texas’ Reese Atwood to make contact. Atwood knocked in what turned out to be the game winning runs in the sixth inning, putting the Longhorns one win from their first national title.

Atwood knew she was fortunate to get that pitch from Canady.

“Props to NiJa, because she definitely kept us real tight throughout that game,” she said. “She’s a great pitcher. I saw my opportunity and I took it.”

Canady has thrown every pitch for the Red Raiders during the World Series, but Tech coach Gerry Glasco did not guarantee his ace would start Thursday, saying he needs to watch out for her long-term health. Glasco said Canady is such a competitor that she might not be fully honest about her condition.

“If you know NiJa, she’s not going to complain, she’s not going to tell you,” he said. “We’ll have to really dig, and hopefully the trainer can get her to communicate enough that he’ll get a good assessment. I want to win, but also I want to be sure we leave this season healthy for the future.”

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