Florida softball carried all the momentum into the second inning of Sunday’s Super Regional Game 3 against Texas Tech.
It didn’t start that way, with a three-run first inning from the Red Raiders. However, the Gators plated four runs – all with two outs – capped by a two-run home run by Kenleigh Cahalan.
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Then the weather rolled in.
Lightning caused a delay of over two hours, and once play resumed, the Gators looked like a different team.
The Gators never recovered and lost 16-7 to Texas Tech on May 24 in Game 3 of the NCAA Gainesville Super Regional to advance to the Women’s College World Series.
Home runs by Mia Williams and Jackie Gis gave Tech a 7-4 lead before UF briefly tied it up with a three-run bomb from Ava Brown.
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida head coach Tim Walton, left, talks with the NCAA site rep during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida head coach Tim Walton, left, talks with the NCAA site rep during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Madison Walker celebrates a hit during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball vs Texas Tech live updates, highlights | Red Raiders hold lead
Florida softball infielder Madison Walker during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Madison Walker (24) makes second as during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Madison Walker (24) makes second past Texas Tech shortstop Hailey Toney (32) missed the throw during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Madison Walker (24) makes second past Texas Tech shortstop Hailey Toney (32) missed the throw during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida celebrates a multi-run home run during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida celebrates a multi-run home run during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida celebrates a multi-run home run during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida celebrates a multi-run home run during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida celebrates a multi-run home run during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida celebrates a multi-run home run during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) celebrates a run during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) scores during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) scores during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) scores during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) drives for home game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) makes it back to first past Texas Tech infielder Jackie Lis (00) during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) swings during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida head coach Tim Walton talks with the infield before game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Gabi Comia (10) snags a fly during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Kendall Grover (12) and Texas Tech shortstop Hailey Toney (32) watch the pass ball at third during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Gabi Comia (10) throws for third during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball coach Tim Walton ejected during Game 3 of Super Regional vs Texas Tech
Florida head coach Tim Walton talks to the infield during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida infielder Madison Walker (24) looks for the throw while Texas Tech second baseman Mia Williams (1) contemplates a steal during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball season ends in emotional Super Regional loss to Texas Tech
Florida starting pitcher/relief pitcher Keagan Rothrock (7) pitches during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Fans get fired up during game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
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Florida softball takes on Texas Tech in winner-takes-all Game 3. See the photos!
Florida starting pitcher/relief pitcher Allison Sparkman (16) and rest of the team get fired up before game 3 of the super regional of the NCAA Division 1 softball championship at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, May 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun)
In the third, home runs from Taylor Pannell and Gis again gave Texas Tech an 11-7 lead. It was one it kept the remainder of the game.
Keagan Rothrock was pulled after Pannell’s home run, and the Gators weren’t able to find a solid enough No. 2. Leah Stevens allowed five runs and two earned, and Allison Sparkman walked five batters in the top of the fifth to set up the run-rule
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Florida softball vs Texas Tech NCAA Gainesville Super Regional Game 3 live updatesFlorida softball coach Tim Walton ejected | B5
On the opening at-bat of the fifth, with Kenleigh Cahalan at the plate, Walton is tossed for arguing balls and strikes. It’s the head coach’s first ejection of the season.
Two more for the Red Raiders as Katelynn Oxley enters | T5
Back-to-back walks to Taylor Pannell and NiJaree Canady allow two more runs to score. Texas Tech is now fully in run-rule position with a 16-7 lead.
Texas Tech adds one more | T5
After getting two outs, Allison Sparkman has run into some trouble. She walks three straight Red Raiders to load the bases, and on a ground ball from Lauren Allred, Jocelyn Erickson can’t handle the toss from Gabi Comia. Allows a run to score, and the Red Raiders now lead 14-7.
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Canady comes back in, ends inning | B4
Texas Tech brings in Canady for the third time after Terry allows a single to Thomas. She strikes out Kendall Grover with the bases loaded, and the Gators still trail 13-7 through four innings.
Kaitlyn Terry back in for Texas Tech | B4
Red Raiders bring in Terry for her third appearance of the game after Canady allows a single to Taylor Shumaker and a walk to Ava Brown. Townsen Thomas at the plate now with two outs.
Taylor Pannell hits her second home run of the game | T4
Texas Tech has grown its lead. Pannell hits her second home run of the game to knock Leah Stevens out of the game and drive in two runs. Allison Sparkman enters for Florida.
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Florida softball suffers crucial scoreless inning | B3
Gators can’t take back any momentum as Canady shuts down the Gators in order.
Jackie Lis hits her second home run of the game | T3
Stevens seemed to be building positive momentum after striking out Mia Williams for the first time this weekend, but after Mihyia Davis reaches on an error by Kenleigh Cahalan, Lis makes the Gators pay with a three run home run. Red Raiders now lead Florida 11-7.
Taylor Pannell ends Keagan Rothrock’s outing | T3
Pannell hits her 11th home run of the season and first of the super regional to lead off the third. This forces Tim Walton to do something he really didn’t want to — take Rothrock out. Leah Stevens enters for the second time this weekend.
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NiJaree Canady back in | B2
Texas Tech finding ways to manipulate the lineup and continues to switch back and forth between Canady and Terry. The senior retires the last two Gators to end the second. Tied 7-7 going into the third.
Ava Brown ties it for Florida softball | B2
We could be in for an all-time classic at KSP as Ava Brown hits her third home run of the weekend to tie this game at seven. Just insanity in Gainesville.
Kaitlyn Terry reenters for Texas Tech | B2
After NiJaree Canady allows a leadoff single to Gabi Comia and a walk to Taylor Shumaker, she is taken out in favor of Kaitlyn Terry — who reenters the game after being pulled in the first inning. Gators have first and second with one out in the bottom of the second.
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Texas Tech retakes lead | T2
Mia Williams doesn’t get walked in her second at-bat. Instead, she takes a pitch from Rothrock deep over the center field wall into the trees. After Mihyia Davis draws a walk on four pitches, Jackie Lis belts a home run down the left field line. Gators now trail TTU 7-4.
Florida softball vs Texas Tech to resume at 2:55 p.m. | B1
The tarp is off the field, and the Gators vs Texas Tech is set for resume at 2:55 p.m. Florida will have a runner on second with two outs and Ella Wesolowski at the plate with NiJaree Canady in the circle.
Delay continues at KSP | B1
Tarp is offically out on the field, and the delay continues at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. No update on when we will resume.
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Weather delay in Gainesville | B1
As if right on cue, Gainesville becomes its peak form as we’ve entered into a weather delay due to lightning being within eight miles of Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. The game is delayed for at least 30 minutes, and the clock will reset whenever a strike is within eight miles.
NiJaree Canady comes in the game for Texas Tech | B1
After Cahalan’s home run and a double from Madison Walker, Kaitlyn Terry’s outing is over for now before the first inning even ends. NiJaree Canady, after allowing eight earned runs in two games, enters for Texas Tech.
Kenleigh Cahalan gives Florida softball the lead | B1
Cahalan becomes the fifth Gator to homer this weekend as she hits her 17th of the season to score Grover and give UF a 4-3 lead. What a comeback for Florida after a bad top half of the first.
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Kendall Grover scores two for the Gators | B1
Florida puts runners on first and third, and Kendall Grover takes advantage with a two out, two RBI double to left-center. Texas Tech lead cut to 3-2.
Error by Gabi Comia leads to another run | T1
Rothrock gets Taylor Pannell to fly out, and after Townsen Thomas’ throw to Gabi Comia at second, she decides to throw it to 3B Kendall Grover. The throw was low, and it allowed the Red Raiders to plate a run. 3-0 TTU leads after a half inning.
Texas Tech scores two to start | T1
After Keagan Rothrock hits Mia Williams by pitch for the fourth time this weekend, Jackie Lis doubles to move Williams to third. Jasmyn Burns drives both runs in with a single down the third base line. 2-0 Red Raiders lead.
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Keagan Rothrock gets the start for Florida softball
As expected, the Gators ace receives the ball vs. Texas Tech. Rothrock threw a complete game Saturday receiving two bags of IV following Friday’s game.
Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium filling up
The gates have opened, and the fans are coming in.
Florida softball vs Texas Tech NCAA Gainesville Super Regional Game 3 starting lineupsFlorida
Keagan Rothrock is the starting pitcher.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech
Kaitlyn Terry is the starting pitcher.
When is Florida softball vs Texas Tech in Game 3 of NCAA Gainesville Super Regional?
Location: Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
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First pitch is set for 12 p.m. ET
What channel is Florida softball vs Texas Tech in Game 3 of NCAA Gainesville Super Regional?
Beth Mowins, Michelle Smith, Jessica Mendoza and Holly Rowe will be on the call for the Gators vs. the Red Raiders.
How to listen to Florida softball vs Texas Tech in Game 3 of NCAA Gainesville Super Regional
LISTEN: ESPN WRUF 98.1 FM/850 AM
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida softball ousted by Texas Tech in wild Game 3. See how it happened