With the spring sports season set to begin, it's a perfect time for the return of our Texas Tech news roundups. Here is what's going on around Raiderland for Friday, February 14, 2025.
Texas Tech softball impresses in opening weekend
All eyes are on the Texas Tech softball team this season thanks to the massive roster overhaul the Red Raiders underwent in the offseason. Fortunately, in the season's first weekend, the Red Raiders showed that they have what it takes to be one of the better teams in the nation.
The Red Raiders went 5-1 in the NFCA Leadoff Classic by taking down Marshall, Penn State, No. 16 Nebraska, Iowa, and Kennesaw State. Meanwhile, their only loss was a 3-1 setback against No. 25 Mississippi State in eight innings.
After that strong start, the Red Raiders moved up to as high as No. 8 in the national polls. That's thanks in large part to superstar transfer NiJaree Canady who went 3-1 in the circle with 40 strikeouts over 20.2 innings and hit .364 with two home runs and six RBI in the season's first weekend.
Now, the Red Raiders head to Austin to participate in the Bevo Classic. There they will face UMASS, No. 1 Texas, and Maryland.
Texas Tech baseball opens season against No. 6 North Carolina
Beginning today, the Texas Tech baseball team will open its season with a massive three-game road series at No. 6 North Carolina. This will immediately test the Red Raiders in an area where they struggled a season ago.
In 2024, Tech was just 6-15 in true road games. If they want to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last year, they are going to have to improve upon that record this season.
However, getting off to a strong start won't be easy. North Carolina was 48-17 overall last season on their way to reaching the College World Series.
Tech opens the season with eight straight games against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last season. Thus, we will find out just how strong this year's squad is right off the bat.
Friday's double-header will begin at 11 a.m. central with game two beginning 60 minutes after game one ends. Saturday, the series wraps up with a 1 p.m. Central contest.
Texas Tech track teams ranked in the top 10
It's shaping up to be another strong indoor track season in Lubbock as both the men's and women's teams are ranked in the top 10 of the latest USTFCCCA poll. In fact, the women's team is No. 1 in the nation for the first time in program history while the men check in at No. 7.
This weekend, the programs will host the Jarvis Scott invite in Lubbock. It will be the final tuneup before the Big 12 indoor championships which will also be held in the Hub City.
Texas Tech Lady Raiders look to end losing streak
On the other end of the spectrum, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders are in desperate need of a victory. They are riding a five-game losing streak and sit at just 3-10 in Big 12 play.
However, getting back on the winning side of things won't be easy this weekend. That's because Tech's next game is against No. 25 Baylor in Lubbock on Saturday.
The Bears check in at 21-5 overall and 11-2 in league play. They will bring a five-game winning streak to Lubbock.