The Texas Longhorns triumphed over the Texas Tech Red Raiders with a close score of 2-1 in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series on Wednesday night. The match was marked by critical moments filled with controversies and emotional fluctuations, alongside extensive replay reviews.

Entering the fifth inning without any score, Texas Tech’s pinch hitter Logan Halleman was called safe on an error by Texas, despite a close play when attempting to steal second base. Following the challenge, umpires decided in favor of Halleman, citing obstruction by Longhorns shortstop Leighann Goode on the path.

“Call on the field is obstruction because her left foot was in the baseline. In my opinion, the obstruction rule is getting way out of hand and too nitpicky. Let the runners be the D1 athletes that they are!” — Megan Rembielak

The drama continued as after Halleman’s call, Mihyia Davis achieved a two-out single, enabling the Red Raiders to take the lead.

“Mihyia Davis delivers the first run of the game!” — Texas Tech Softball

Star pitcher Nijaree Canady, who had previously dominated with just one hit allowed in the game, faced difficulties in the sixth inning when she failed to intentionally walk leading hitter Reese Atwood. Instead, she erroneously threw a strike, which Atwood capitalized on, scoring a go-ahead two-run single.

“After review, this pitch was obstructed by @atwood_reese bat. #HookEm” — Texas Softball

Texas Tech’s late-game attempts encountered more hurdles with wrong calls leading to key outs, culminating in the Longhorns sealing the match and coming one victory closer to their first national title after being runners-up in the last two of three seasons.