Checking in On Red Raiders in the AUSL
Story by Cade Welty
Connoisseur Media Intern
The last time we checked in on some of the seniors at Texas Tech Softball they had just finished
national runner up in the WCWS. Well for two seniors who saw their collegiate careers come to
a close and pro ones start.
Jackie Lis and NiJaree Canady have both found themselves in the AUSL (Athletes Unlimited
Softball League) which is the pro league for softball that is backed by the MLB. The league is
composed of 6 teams featuring the Utah Talons, Portland Cascade, Carolina Blaze, Chicago
Bandits, OKC Spark and Texas Volts.
Both Canady and Lis had different routes to getting to their team. Canady was given a golden
ticket which meant she was given a guaranteed roster spot but would have to wait until the draft
to find out where she would pitch for next. The Texas Volts selected Canady second overall to
join a pitching rotation in need of help.
So far it has been an adjustment for Canady as she has posted a 6.68 ERA in 14.2 innings
pitched. With the homerun issue still following her to the Volts with her allowing 6 home runs
already. Canady looks to settle in as the season progresses.
For Lis it wasn’t until the 6th round of the draft where she would be selected 32nd overall to the
Volts as well. With that draft selection Lis would be reserved for 30 days and put into the reserve
pool for the Voltz. Lis made her debut on June 9th going 0/3 but would work a walk and scored a
run.
Recently Lis has started to find her stride with a .500 average in the last 6 games and 2 RBI’s.
With Lis and Canady teaming up in the pro level of softball it keeps a parallel going for the duo.
As they played summer ball, college and now teammates in the pros and hopefully teammates for
awhile.