Texas Tech star pitcher Nijaree Canady will start in the WCWS championship opener Wednesday despite a sore left hamstring she has been battling since February, her coach confirmed Tuesday.

When NiJaree Canady enters the circle, it is often goodnight for the opposing lineup. Texas Tech's star pitcher gave up just five hits during Monday's 3-2 win over four-time defending national champion Oklahoma as the Red Raiders punched their ticket to the championship series of the Women's College World Series with Texas.

The Oklahoma Sooners' record run of consecutive NCAA softball championships is over at four. NiJaree Canady and Texas Tech survived for a 3-2 win to reach the WCWS finals.