For the first time in 13 years, the Texas Tech Lady Raiders are dancing again.
Texas Tech has officially earned a spot in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and will face No. 10 seed Villanova in the opening round Friday night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
The winner of the matchup between the Lady Raiders and Villanova will advance to face the winner of the game between No. 2 seed and fifth-ranked LSU and No. 15 seed Jacksonville.
The Lady Raiders enter the tournament with an impressive 25-7 overall record after finishing tied for fourth in the Big 12 Conference with a 12-6 league mark. It marks one of the most successful seasons for the program in over two decades.
This year’s appearance will be the 21st NCAA Tournament berth in Texas Tech history, with the Lady Raiders holding a 30-19 all-time record in the tournament.
Texas Tech’s last NCAA Tournament appearance came on March 23, 2013, when the Lady Raiders narrowly fell to South Florida 71-70 in Spokane, Washington.
Friday’s contest will mark the first-ever meeting between Texas Tech and Villanova.
A Historic Season for Texas Tech
The Lady Raiders’ return to the NCAA Tournament caps off a remarkable season in Lubbock.
Texas Tech recorded its most overall wins since the 2003–04 season, while also posting its highest number of Big 12 conference victories since 2004–05. The team’s fourth-place conference finish is the program’s best since the 2012–13 season.
Much of the Lady Raiders’ success has been fueled by a balanced offensive attack.
Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Snudda Collins has been a dynamic presence throughout the season, averaging 14.8 points per game, while Bailey Maupin, a First Team All-Big 12 selection, leads the team with 15.1 points per game.
Texas Tech’s defense has also played a key role in the team’s success. Jalynn Bristow has anchored the defensive effort with 68 blocks and 40 steals, while Gemma Núñez and Denae Fritz have created consistent pressure on opposing offenses with 67 and 64 steals, respectively.
Leadership on the Sidelines
Head Coach Krista Gerlich has been a driving force behind the Lady Raiders’ resurgence.
Gerlich was named Big 12 Coach of the Year, the first such honor of her career, and was also placed on the 2026 Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year Watch List.
Under her leadership, Texas Tech opened the season with a school-record 19-0 start and spent 11 consecutive weeks ranked in the Top 25.
The Lady Raiders also recorded several signature victories during the season, including wins over West Virginia, TCU, and Baylor. Texas Tech swept Baylor in the regular season for the first time since the 2003–04 season, while also snapping a 31-game winning streak by the Bears.
Back on the National Stage
Now, Texas Tech turns its focus to the NCAA Tournament and the opportunity to continue its historic season.
With a balanced roster, strong defense, and experienced leadership, the Lady Raiders will look to make the most of their long-awaited return to the national stage when they face Villanova on Friday night.
For Texas Tech, the wait is finally over—and the postseason journey is just beginning.