OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — As a blur of burnt orange flooded the field at Devon Park, with gloves tossed in the air and the stadium lights flashing, NiJaree Canady remained in the dugout, packing up her bat bag embossed with the Texas Tech logo for the final time of her college career.Tears were shed all over the stadium, some of pure happiness, some of pure relief and, in the case of Red Raiders players and faithful, some of pure heartbreak.The scene was fitting, really. In a Women’s College World Series that saw the Texas Longhorns — who fought through the loser’s bracket — mow down opponents Nebraska, Tennessee and, ultimately, Texas Tech, it was the ultimate metaphor.Texas ace Teagan Kavan had to go through three of the greatest pitchers in recent softball history: Jordy Frahm from Nebraska, Karlyn Pickens from Tennessee, and, ultimately, Canady.Of course, in a year where this senior class was one of the best college softball has ever seen, it was a junior who sealed the deal for her team. Of course, in a year where an historic offensive surge dominated the storyline, it was the pitching that prevailed. Of course, in a year where softball smashed viewership records, it was on the biggest stage that we saw the sport’s next star — and perhaps, a new generation — come to the forefront.