Patty Gasso reacts to Jordy Bahl injury, moment shared with former Oklahoma teammates

Just three innings into her first start at Nebraska, Jordy Bahl left with a leg injury. It turned out to be season-ending as she tore her ACL, meaning her first year after transferring from Oklahoma ended after less than a full game.

Bahl’s former teammates were also at the Puerto Vallarta Classic as they started the season. Patty Gasso’s staff was on hand for the injury, which came in the third inning against Washington, and they had their fears right away.

With Tuesday’s news that Bahl’s 2023 campaign was over, Gasso offered support for her former star pitcher.

“I wasn’t there, but my coaches were there scouting that game and they saw it, and they knew that something wasn’t going to be good,” Gasso said. “But Jordy, I think she was walking around like you thought, oh, maybe it’s just a sprain or something. But she’s so strong that her legs can maintain her kneecap, you know what I mean? When you get your ACL torn, you are in massive pain and you are not able to really walk. So it was pretty amazing how she was just kind of moving around.

“It’s horrible for anybody, really. And Jordy went through injuries as a freshman … but you wish her well.”

Patty Gasso: Jordy Bahl’s bond with Oklahoma teammates showed in moment with Toby Keith

Gasso recalled a moment Bahl shared with the Sooners after the tournament at the airport. There’s still a bond even after her decision to transfer, and Gasso recalled one of the lasting memories from OU’s 2023 national championship that showed the relationship Bahl had with her teammates while in Norman.

After the Sooners completed the second three-peat in NCAA softball history, they returned home and celebrated in true Oklahoma fashion. Superfan Toby Keith brought the team on stage to sing his hit “How Do You Like Me Now?!” with Bahl front and center.

Between Bahl’s decision to transfer and Keith’s death earlier this month, Gasso said that memory hits a bit different now. But as Bahl starts her recovery, Gasso is confident she won’t miss a beat.

“She was sitting at the airport with our team, talking with our team,” Gasso said. “There’s still the memories. The last memory they had was singing on stage with Toby Keith, and that’s something that they will cherish – especially now – forever. There’s this bond that they still have because you’re in the battlefields together.

“Everyone here wishes her well, wishes a speedy recovery. I’m sure she’ll come back, knowing her, better than she ever has.”