Texas Tech softball duo leads players to watch in Lubbock Regional

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.