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.

NiJaree Canady went hitless at the plate but was stellar in the circle in Texas Tech softball's WCWS win over Oklahoma.