The No. 5 Florida State softball team (49-10) is gearing up for their NCAA tournament super regional matchup against Texas Tech (48-12), with a particular focus on star pitcher NiJaree Canady. After transferring from Stanford, where she had an impressive collegiate career, Canady has now signed a record-breaking NIL deal worth over $1 million, marking her as a standout player in college softball.
Canady, hailing from Topeka, has proven her prowess on the mound, boasting a remarkable 0.92 ERA—ranked second in the nation—along with 272 strikeouts and a stellar 28-5 record this season. Additionally, she contributes offensively with a batting average of .316, including 10 home runs and 33 RBI.
Before joining Texas Tech, Canady excelled at Stanford, clinching the top spot in the country with 337 strikeouts and a 0.73 ERA during her tenure. Despite her previous team’s loss to Texas in the College World Series, her vast experience adds an edge to Texas Tech’s gameplay as they make their first super regional appearance.
During a press conference, Canady acknowledged Florida State’s formidable batting lineup, stating, “They are really good, one through nine,” highlighting the challenge she anticipates as a pitcher. Florida State boasts a .353 batting average, ranking fifth in the nation along with 420 RBIs, and they have hit 83 home runs this season.
FSU’s coaching staff and players are preparing meticulously for Canady, with head coach Lonni Alameda noting her unique pitching style. Alameda described Canady’s capabilities as “elite,” especially emphasizing her rise ball and recently developed change-up and down pitches. Shortstop Isa Torres reflected on past encounters with Canady, indicating that they have been observant of her improvements throughout the season, emphasizing their commitment to strategize against her skill set.
The super regional matchup promises to be an exhilarating confrontation between two talented teams, with Canady’s history providing an intriguing backdrop to the anticipated game. FSU looks to leverage their past experiences and the insights gained during their previous match against Canady to challenge her effectively.
This highly competitive matchup will be an opportunity to witness top-tier college softball and the unfolding narrative of Canady’s remarkable journey through the sport.
Fans eager to watch this thrilling clash between Florida State and Texas Tech won’t want to miss out on the action in the upcoming super regional showdown.