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Pitcher Karlie Keeney transferring to OU softball

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo07/14/23BPrzybylo
Syndication: The Oklahoman
Syndication: The Oklahoman

Who was going to be that next major pitcher transfer for OU softball? The speculation had run rampant in recent weeks.

Now we know. Former Liberty pitcher Karlie Keeney announced her commitment to the Sooners on Friday via Instagram.

“Thank you to Coach Gasso and the entire staff for this opportunity! Can’t wait to get to work,” said Keeney in her post.

Keeney has been a workhorse for Liberty the last three seasons. She took it to a different level as a junior. Keeney threw 261.2 innings, allowing 76 earned runs with 81 walks and 153 strikeouts. She finished the year at 27-12 with a 2.03 ERA.

Keeney went 64-24 overall for the Flames with a 2.23 ERA with 326 strikeouts in 587 innings. Keeney is familiar with the Sooners. She lost a 1-0 decision to begin the season. Keeney went seven innings and gave up just one unearned run with five strikeouts.

Keeney also helped Liberty upset No. 2 national seed UCLA in the regionals.

OU head coach Patty Gasso had the softball world guessing after releasing her patented ‘Go Boomer’ tweet Thursday afternoon.

Although Oklahoma has already added one pitcher in the transfer portal, it seemed clear the Sooners were going to get a second.

Keeney has been in the short list for a while, was just about watching it work itself out. There were a number of candidates remaining, and Keeney checks a lot of boxes.

Keeney coming to OU

She becomes the third transfer addition for the Sooners. Keeney joins former Wisconsin pitcher Paytn Monticelli and former Furman catcher Riley Ludlam coming to OU.

That evens it out. OU lost three players to the portal. Jordy Bahl (Nebraska), Sophia Nugent (Tennessee) and Joceyln Erickson (Florida) have found their new homes. Now the Sooners have their trio.

The train keeps on rolling for the three-time defending national champions. And Jen Rocha, recently named the NFCA National Assistant of the Year, has another pitcher to help guide and mentor. Keeney should fit in just fine in Norman.

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