While much of the star power featured in the Lubbock Regional of the 2026 NCAA tournament can be found in the Texas Tech softball team’s dugout, there are plenty of players visiting Tracy Sellers Field who fans should get to know.
Each team features at least one (most often two) prominent pitchers that could decide which team moves one step closer to the Women’s College World Series. There are also a host of quality hitters who could put those pitchers into difficult situations with power, speed and consistency.
Here are the top players to watch this weekend, with one pitcher and one hitter each from Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Boston U and Marist represented.
Texas Tech softball players to watch in Lubbock Regional
NiJaree Canady, pitcher — Last year saw the Texas Tech ace deliver a pair of home runs during the Lubbock Regional. NiJaree Canady may get an at-bat here or there, but the pitching dynamo has focused her attention to the circle this year. The back-to-back Big 12 pitcher of the year sports a 22-5 record with a 1.24 ERA, totaling 209 strikeouts to just 43 walks across 146.1 innings of work.
Mia Williams, infielder — The Florida transfer has put her name into the Texas Tech record books forever. Mia Williams has already broken the Texas Tech single-season marks of home runs (22), RBI (73) and runs scored (81) and is on the verge of setting new standards for doubles (needs two) and total bases (needs four).
Ole Miss softball players to watch in Lubbock Regional
Emilee Boyer, pitcher — Before being Ole Miss’ top pitcher this year, Emilee Boyer made her mark at the Division II level up the road at West Texas A&M, where she earned national player of the year honors. Like Canady, Boyer has been used primarily as a pitcher this year, totaling a 12-13 record with a 3.86 ERA, tallying 145 strikeouts in 163.2 innings.
Persy Llamas, infielder — Ole Miss has a few players returning from last year’s WCWS matchup with Texas Tech, one being utility player Persy Llamas. She’s second on the team in batting average (.374) and leads the Rebels with 70 hits and 187 at-bats.
Boston U players to watch in Lubbock Regional
Kasey Ricard, pitcher — One of the most decorated pitchers in the country will take the field this weekend, and her name isn’t NiJaree Canady. A three-time Patriot League pitcher of the year, Kasey Ricard has accounted for 63% of the Terrier’s total innings pitched this season. She has a 2.81 ERA with 230 strikeouts on the year.
Kylie Doherty, outfielder — After a solid sophomore season, Kylie Doherty has set a new standard in her junior year at Boston, shattering single-season records with 26 home runs and 88 RBI while leading the team with 12 doubles, 168 total bases, 74 hits, a .396 batting average and .898 slugging percentage.
Marist players to watch in Lubbock Regional
Ava Metzger, pitcher — Marist splits its pitching innings pretty evenly but we’ll give the nod to Ava Metzger, the graduate senior from Manhattan who has a 2.51 ERA and allowed just 91 hits across 103.1 innings pitched.
Peyton Pusey, outfielder — Senior Peyton Pusey leads the Red Foxes with a .404 batting average and six triples, also totaling eight home runs and 31 RBI across her 76 hits.
2026 Lubbock Regional softball schedule
All times are central (TV designations for Saturday & Sunday to be announced)
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Game 1: Ole Miss (34-24) vs. Boston U (46-13), 1 p.m. (ESPNU)
Game 2: Texas Tech (52-6) vs. Marist (37-19), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Game 3: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 2 p.m.
Game 4: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 4:30 p.m.
Game 5: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner, 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 17
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 3 p.m.
Game 7: Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser (if necessary), 7:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech softball duo leads players to watch in Lubbock Regional
Reporting by Nathan Giese, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
