The Texas Tech softball team is back in the Women’s College World Series championship for the second year in a row, taking on the Texas Longhorns.
Many Red Raider fans who didn’t make it out to see the first in the best-of-three series at Devon Park in Oklahoma City watched from sports bars and other venues in Lubbock, watching the Longhorns take Game 1 over Tech 7-3.
Still, Tech fans who were out Wednesday shared optimism and excitement for their team.
In a crowded Cujo’s Sports Bar & Grill, Texas Tech fans packed the restaurant in red T-shirts with the imprinted Double T logo, passionately cheering and shouting at the giant screens surrounding the bar.
Zane Ortiz said he was pleased to see Texas Tech athletics back on the national stage.
“It’s exciting to see Tech finally get recognized for the greatness we’re seeing here at the university,” he said.
Tech’s softball team had only made their first appearance at the Women’s College World Series in 2025, falling to the Longhorns 2-1 in the best-of-three series.
Although Tech dropped Game 1, this second appearance in the WCWS finals is still an opportunity for the Red Raiders to showcase the program and make a run for a national title.
“I think it looks good for the second year that the Big 12, as far as Tech is concerned, has made it to the Women’s College World Series,” Robert Chavez said. “It looks good for the community, it looks good for the university, to help bring better players into our conference.”
Christy Molina said having the Texas Tech softball team make it to the Women’s College World Series is putting Lubbock on the map, and she looks forward to seeing the Red Raiders bring home the win the second time around.
“It’s exciting for two Texas teams to be playing in Oklahoma to bring the championship back to Texas, either way,” Molina said.
Here’s how to watch the second game of the best-of-three series, including start time, TV channel, streaming options and more.
What channel is Texas Tech softball vs Texas in Women’s College World Series on Thursday?
The Texas Tech softball game vs Texas will air on ESPN. The game can also be streamed on Fubo, which requires a subscription.
Texas Tech softball vs Texas in Women’s College World Series finals time today
Game 2 between Texas Tech and Texas will begin at 7 p.m. from Devon Park in Oklahoma City
Watch Women’s College World Series softball on Fubo
2026 Women’s College World Series finals schedule
All times Central
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Game 1 (Wednesday): Texas 7, Texas Tech 3
Game 2 (Thursday): Texas vs. Texas Tech, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 3 (Friday, if necessary): Texas vs Texas Tech, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech fans react as Red Raiders, UT look to game 2 in WCWS finals
Reporting by Sofia Bueno, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Sofia Bueno, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | USA TODAY Network
