The Lineup: Top 25 Tilts in Florida, Texas and Louisiana

The Shiners Clearwater Invitational in Clearwater headlines the week with seven teams in the Softball America Top 25 poll participating. The best matchups aren’t only happening in Florida. Texas and LSU host other Top 25 teams, hoping to prove the SEC’s dominance.

1. No. 8 Texas Tech @ No. 2 Texas

Where: Austin, Texas (Bevo Classic)
When: Friday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 16, at 12:30 p.m. ET 
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: The former Big 12 foes will meet twice this weekend, setting up a likely rematch between Reese Atwood and NiJaree Canady. Canady significantly impacted both sides of the ball in Clearwater, Florida. The reigning NFCA Player of the Year belted the only two home runs for Texas Tech and struck out 40 batters in 20 innings.

Meanwhile, the Longhorns took care of business against a range of mid-major opponents, but all eyes will be on the status of Mia Scott, who missed the final two games of the weekend for Texas. The Longhorns have won 12 straight against the Red Raiders—can they extend the streak?

2. No. 4 UCLA vs No. 9 Oklahoma State

Where: Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater Invitational)
When: Friday, Feb. 14, at 2:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ESPN2/ESPN+

What do we want to see: UCLA run-ruled all five of its opening weekend opponents, dominating both at the plate and in the circle. The Bruins’ 1-2 punch of Taylor Tinsley and Kaitlyn Terry was nearly flawless. They surrendered zero runs on a combined four hits and 34 strikeouts across 17 innings.

Oklahoma State, however, had a rocky start. After outlasting Florida State on opening day, the Cowgirls dropped a stunner to Louisiana Tech and were run-ruled, 8-0, by the Seminoles two days later. RyLee Crandall and Kyra Aycock struggled in the circle, and the offense couldn’t come up with timely hits. Can the Pokes’ pitching staff bounce back, and how will their offense fare against one of the best pitching staffs in the country?

3. No. 18 Virginia Tech @ No. 10 LSU

Where: Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Purple and Gold Challenge)
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 16, at 12:30 p.m. ET 
What’s it on: SECN+

What do we want to see: Virginia Tech had arguably the best weekend of any team in college softball, outscoring its opponents 50-0 during opening weekend. Emma Lemley dominated from the circle, striking out 22 batters and allowing just two baserunners in 11 innings. The Hokies’ offense also came alive, knocking 17 extra-base hits and posting a .432 team batting average.

LSU freshman Jayden Heavener made a name for herself by tossing a six-inning perfect game and striking out 13 batters. The Tigers boast one of the deepest bullpens in the country, but they’ll face a tough challenge against Virginia Tech’s powerful offense. As the Hokies prepare for their first big test, how will Emma Lemley fare against a youthful yet talented LSU lineup?

4. No. 5 Texas A&M vs No. 9 Oklahoma State

Where: Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater Invitational)
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10:00 a.m. ET
What’s it on: ESPN2/ESPN+

What do we want to see: Texas A&M turned in an undefeated weekend in College Station, sparking sixth-inning comebacks in two of its five wins. The Aggies showcased a well-rounded performance, with Emiley Kennedy earning three wins in the circle and Mac Barbara launching three home runs and driving in 13 RBIs. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, didn’t have the weekend it hoped for, winning only two of its four games. The Cowgirls will face another tough test against Texas A&M, and someone other than Ruby Meylan will need to step up in the circle for Oklahoma State.

5. No. 7 Florida State vs No. 15 Missouri

Where: Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater Invitational)
When: Thursday, Feb. 13, at 10:00 a.m. ET
What’s it on: ESPN2/ESPN+

What do we want to see: After a tough opening-day loss, Florida State bounced back with four consecutive wins, including run-rule victories over Louisiana Tech and No. 9 Oklahoma State. The Seminoles’ success was led by sophomores Kennedy Harp and Isa Torres at the plate, while newcomers Annabelle Widra and Jazzy Francik combined for 15 scoreless innings in the circle. Missouri had a strong showing at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, knocking off a pair of ranked opponents, but an upset loss to Notre Dame kept the Tigers from a perfect weekend. Missouri’s pitching duo of Marissa McCann and Cierra Harrison earned three wins over 23 innings and will be tasked with slowing down Florida State’s potent lineup. Will a Florida State pitcher emerge as the team’s ace? Can Missouri carry its offensive momentum into the Clearwater Invitational?

6. No. 4 UCLA vs No. 12 Alabama

Where: Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater Invitational)
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, at 4:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ESPNU/ESPN+

What do we want to see: After facing Oklahoma State on Friday, UCLA will meet Alabama in a rematch of last year’s WCWS opening round. The newcomers led the way in Alabama’s 4-1 start, with the Crimson Tide’s offense looking much improved this season behind the bats of transfer Alexis Pupillo and freshman Audrey Vandagriff. However, they will face their toughest challenge yet: UCLA’s formidable pitching staff. A key question for Alabama is who will lead the bullpen this season. Jocelyn Briski and Catelyn Riley appear to be the frontrunners, but anything can happen in Clearwater. While UCLA’s offense helped run-rule every opponent they faced last weekend, the Bruins will face one of their toughest tests when they square off against Alabama.

7. No. 16 Duke @ No. 1 Florida

Where: Gainesville, Florida
When: Friday, Feb. 14, at 7:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2:00 p.m. ET 
What’s it on: Friday’s game is on SECN+

What do we want to see: The top-ranked Gators cruised through the weekend, dominating all six of their games. Florida, already stacked with key transfers and returners, saw freshman Taylor Shumaker slug five home runs and emerge as a promising star. With strong pitching performances from Keagan Rothrock and Ava Brown, the Gators are poised for another outstanding season. Duke faced three ranked teams in five games at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, finishing with a 3-2 record. The Blue Devils were inconsistent at times but secured wins over Penn State, Mississippi State, and Kentucky. Cassidy Curd picked up two complete-game victories, but Duke lost both games she did not pitch. Florida and Duke will meet twice this weekend, with both teams needing a strong bullpen to handle the opposing offenses.

8. No. 9 Oklahoma State vs No. 12 Alabama

Where: Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater Invitational)
When: Sunday, Feb. 16, at 6:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ESPN/ESPN+

What do we want to see: Yes, you read that right. Oklahoma State will play three top-12 teams in Clearwater this weekend. Alabama and Oklahoma State suffered run-rule losses to top-15 teams, and this game will be a crucial opportunity for one team to bounce back. The matchup will also feature several newcomers, either transfers or freshmen, eager to help lead their team to a key resume win. Which team will want it more? And how will the matchup play out? Will we see a pitching duel or a shootout?

9. No. 3 Oklahoma @ No. 24 Baylor

Where: Waco, Texas (Getterman Classic)
When: Saturday, Feb. 15, at 3:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, Feb. 16, at 4:00 p.m. ET 
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: The four-time defending champions, Oklahoma, finished their opening weekend undefeated, but they had a couple of close calls in a pair of extra-inning affairs. Ella Parker stood out at the plate, earning SEC Co-Player of the Week honors. A trio of Sooners are vying for the top spot in the bullpen and will face a big test this weekend against Baylor. The Bears showcased strong offensive performances, even without their star player, Shaylon Govan. However, Baylor’s pitching staff remains a concern, posting a 3.39 ERA with 14 walks and just 14 strikeouts after the first weekend. Can Baylor find a reliable option in the circle, and will Oklahoma’s bats break out like they have in the past?

10. Wichita State vs No. 20 Liberty

Where: Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater Invitational)
When: Sunday, Feb. 16, at 3:00 p.m. ET
What’s it on: ESPN+

What do we want to see: Two of the top mid-major programs meet in Clearwater, Florida. Both teams turned in perfect records in the opening week, looking to capitalize on a strong field in the Clearwater Invitational. Liberty excelled in the circle, led by senior Paige Bachmann tossing 13.2 scoreless innings and striking out 16 en route to a trio of wins. Lauren Lucas led Wichita State in nearly every offensive category over the weekend, contributing to the Shockers’ strong start. Chloe Barber also impressed, posting a perfect ERA in 13.2 innings and striking out 18 batters. Both teams appear well-rounded with strong performances on both sides of the ball. But the matchup to watch could be Barber and Liberty’s deep bullpen trying to outduel each other.