Liberty softball continues their strong play, winning all five games this past weekend as part of the Liberty Softball Invitational. The Lady Flames are now 14-6 on the season and have won 14 of their past 15 games, including wins over No. 23 Notre Dame and James Madison this past weekend.

THURSDAY: LIBERTY 12, RUTGERS 0

Karlie Keeney tossed her second no-hitter over a Big Ten opponent this season, as Liberty shut out Rutgers in five innings. She has already tied a program single-season record with two no-hitters this season, as she also pitched a no-hitter against Maryland on Feb. 18. Those mark the first two no-hitters over Power Five opponents in program history.

Lou Allan went 3-for-3 with two home runs, four RBI, and two runs scored. Mary Claire Wilson recorded her first career three-hit game, going 3-for-3 with a double, two steals, and a career high four RBI.

FRIDAY: LIBERTY 9, RUTGERS 1

Liberty posted its second straight run-rule over Rutgers, downing the Scarlet Knights in five innings on Friday. Liberty scored in four out of five innings, putting the game out of reach with a three-run third inning to make it 7-1. Caroline Hudson was 2 for 4 batting with a double, a home run, and three RBIs. Devyn Howard hit 2 for 3 with a double, while Alexis Soto’s two-run double ended the game in the fifth inning.

SATURDAY GAME 1: LIBERTY 6, No. 23 NOTRE DAME 3

Liberty earned its first top 25 win of the season, knocking off Notre Dame on Saturday. The Irish had won eight straight games prior to their setback, to fall to 14-4 on the season. The Lady Flames jumped out to a 4-0 lead with two runs in both the first and second innings. Devyn Howard hit her first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the second. After Notre Dame manufactured a run in the third, Liberty added insurance runs in the fourth and sixth innings. The Irish narrowed the gap to 6-3 with a two-out hit in the seventh inning.

SATURDAY GAME 2: LIBERTY 9, LEHIGH 1

The Lady Flames used a six-run fifth inning to pull away for a five inning win over Lehigh on Saturday. Lehigh narrowed Liberty’s 3-0 lead to 3-1 in the top of the fifth; however, Liberty exploded for six runs with KC Machado’s walk off single to end the game. Kara Canetto was 3 for 3 with a double, two steals, one RBI, and one run scored. Caroline Hudson was 2 for 3 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs, while Alexis Soto was 2 for 3 with a double, triple, two RBIs, and one run scored.

SUNDAY: LIBERTY 4, JAMES MADISON 0

In a rematch of the 2021 Knoxville Regional final, Liberty shut out JMU on Sunday as the Dukes fall to 4-9 on the season. Liberty quickly loaded the bases with nobody out in the first inning. Alexis Soto made it 2-0 with a two-run single and KC Machado came through with a two-run base hit of her own.

Emily Kirby did not allow a hit, but walked the bases loaded with one out in the fourth. Karlie Keeney entered the circle, getting out of the jam unscathed.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: LOU ALLAN

Liberty first baseman Lou Allan started her week off with a bang, as she blasted two home runs against Rutgers on Thursday, giving her three for the season. She finished that game 3 for 3 batting with four RBI and two runs. On the week, Allan was 5 for 10 with 4 runs and 5 RBI while being walked 7 times.

PITCHER OF THE WEEK: KARLIE KEENEY

Keeney has quickly become the ace of the staff, picking up three wins this week as she improves to 8-2 on the year. She picked up her second no-hitter of the season against Rutgers earlier this week, and followed it up with wins over Notre Dame and James Madison. For the week, Keeney pitched 15.2 innings, allowing just three runs on 13 hits.

ON TAP

Liberty concludes its 11-game homestand on Thursday, playing host to Arkansas at 4 p.m. in a game that will be streamed on ESPN+. The Lady Flames then head to Clemson, South Carolina to take part in the Clemson Tournament. Liberty is currently scheduled to play a double-header on both Saturday and Sunday against Clemson and Illinois.

ASUN STANDINGS

East
North Florida…………….16-5
Liberty……………………….14-6
Stetson……………………..9-12
Kennesaw State…………6-12
Jacksonville………………6-13
FGCU…………………………7-16

West
North Alabama………….18-3
Central Arkansas………10-7
Jacksonville State…….10-8
Lipscomb………………….7-12
Bellarmine…………………6-14
Eastern Kentucky………3-15