Full Breakdown
Texas Tech vs. Florida: Game 3 of the Gainesville Super Regional Decides WCWS Spot
5/24/2026, 10:31:29 PM
Game 3 Overview
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Texas Tech and Florida met in Game 3 of the Gainesville Super Regional at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. The series was tied 1-1 after Texas Tech won Game 1 (10-8) and Florida took Game 2 (10-2). The winner advances to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. ESPNU televised the game with Beth Mowins, Michelle Smith, Jessica Mendoza and Holly Rowe.
Series Background & Key Figures
Both teams reached the WCWS in 2025; Texas Tech entered as national runner-up, while Florida aims for a third straight appearance. Florida’s home Super Regional record is 12-2. Key personnel: Florida coach Tim Walton, pitcher Keegan Rothrock, catcher Jocelyn Erickson, hitter Kenleigh Cahalan; Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco, ace NiJaree Canady, starter Kaitlyn Terry, and outfielder Taylor Pannell.
Timeline & Weather
The game was scheduled for 11 a.m. Central (12 p.m. Eastern), though some reports list 12 p.m. ET. At 11:33 a.m. CT, Florida led 4-3 with two outs when lightning within eight miles triggered the NCAA’s 30-minute lightning-free rule. An 80-minute delay followed; forecasts called for thunderstorms through the evening. Play was set to resume at 2:55 p.m. local.
Statistics & Stakes
Texas Tech won Game 1, 10-8; Florida took Game 2, 10-2, giving the Gators a 20-12 run lead. NiJaree Canady was slated to start for Texas Tech, while Keegan Rothrock, who threw a seven-inning complete game in Game 2, remained available. The winner earns a berth in the 2026 WCWS in Oklahoma City.
Official Responses & Criticism
Coach Tim Walton reminded his players they have “dreamed about this since you were little,” underscoring the WCWS goal. Coach Gerry Glasco said Florida “came out more aggressive and wanted it worse,” and urged a stronger Texas Tech start. Outfielder Taylor Pannell called for a better first-inning response. The NCAA confirmed the lightning delay and the required 30-minute clear-sky interval before play could resume.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the start time—some list 11 a.m. Central, others 12 p.m. Eastern. No post-delay score or final result is provided, leaving Game 3’s outcome unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You dreamed about this since you were little. You wake up tomorrow morning and have one game to go play in the College World Series,” — Tim Walton, Florida head coach
- “I thought from the very beginning Florida came out more aggressive and wanted it worse,” — Gerry Glasco, Texas Tech head coach
- “I think we need to do a better job of coming back and responding that first inning,” — Taylor Pannell, Texas Tech outfielder
- “Nothing that happened yesterday will matter today. Nothing that happened today will matter tomorrow,” — Gerry Glasco, Texas Tech head coach
What’s Next
If weather clears, Game 3 will resume at 2:55 p.m. local. The winner will travel to Oklahoma City for the 2026 Women’s College World Series, which begins later that week.
