Here's the latest from a busy week in Texas Tech athletics.
Lady Raiders win big behind Stephanie Okechukwu's breakout performance
Monday in Lubbock, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders moved to 2-0 on the season by dismantling Lamar 78-28. Though several players had standout games, the story was the breakout performance by 7-foot-1 center Stephanie Okechukwu.
With 21 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in just her second collegiate game, Okechukwu showed that she can dominate a game for the Lady Raiders.
Meanwhile, the defense they played also turned heads. Tech did not allow Lamar to score more than eight points in any quarter and held the Cardinals to just four points in the fourth.
The 28 points allowed were the lowest the program has surrendered since 2010. Up next, Tech stays at home to host Auburn on Friday at 6 p.m.
Stephanie Okechukwu SHINED tonight vs. Lamar
— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) November 10, 2026
🔥21 Points
🔥10 of 17 from the Field
🔥5 Rebounds & 3 BLOCKS
Highlights⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JjCqVAq5RA
Texas Tech soccers moves one step closer to Big 12 Tournament crown
Also on Monday night, the Texas Tech soccer team won its quarterfinal match in the Big 12 Tournament 2-0 over UCF. That sets up a semifinal meeting with Baylor tonight at 7 p.m.
The Red Raiders jumped out to an early lead thanks to just the second goal of the season from Gianna Gregorie, who scored in the 31st minute.
Comes in as a sub in the 26th minute... scores in the 31st 🎯
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) November 10, 2026
Gianna Gregoire with her 2nd goal of the year!
📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/RqhFGTFWPm
Later, Tech doubled the lead when Kaitlyn Giametta found the net with 17:52 to go in the game. It was her sixth goal of the season.
The win marked the first time the Red Raiders had beaten UCF in five all-time meetings. Now, they turn their attention to Baylor, a team they beat 1-0 earlier this year in Lubbock.
Thomas Catellanos earns Big 12 honor
The hero of the Texas Tech football team's wild victory over West Virginia was quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who put up 362 passing yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for another 102 yards. That performance earned the senior Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Castellanos became the first Texas Tech quarterback to surpass 350 passing and 100 rushing yards in the same game. In just his second game since taking over as the team's starting QB, he helped the Red Raiders top 50 points in a game for the second time this season. What's more, in his two games as QB1, Tech is averaging 555 yards of offense per game.
Also recognized by the conference was the Texas Tech offensive line, which was named the Big 12 Offensive Line of the Week. That unit helped pave the way for the Red Raiders to rush for 276 yards against the Mountaineers.
A.J. Holmes named semifinalist for Bednarik Award
Another Red Raider football player receiving some recognition is senior defensive tackle A.J. Holmes. This week, he was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive player.
So far in 2026, Holmes has 43 QB pressures, 30 tackles, and 7.5 sacks (which leads the Big 12). He is without question one of the top defensive linemen in the nation.
Should he win the Bednarik Award, he would be the second Red Raider in as many years to do so. Last season, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez took home the award.
Texas Tech softball schedule updated
Finally, the Texas Tech softball team has released a portion of its much-anticipated 2027 schedule. This week, the program revealed that it will participate in the 2027 Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational in Florida.
The Red Raiders will take on Clemson, Liberty, East Carolina, and Washington in the event, which runs from Thursday, February 18 through Sunday, February 21. The games against Clemson and Washington will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN, respectively.
Last season, Tech participated in the same event. Going 5-1 a year ago, the Red Raiders set the tone for a wildly successful season, and they will look to get off to a great start again in 2027.
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