Oklahoma Pitcher Paytn Monticelli Transfers to LSU Softball

Pitcher Paytn Monticelli, who transferred from Wisconsin to Oklahoma and played two seasons with the Sooners, has committed to LSU for the 2026 softball season. Monticelli posted a 2-0 record with a 2.58 ERA and 34 appearances during her time at Oklahoma, including a 1.09 ERA in 2024 and a 3.94 ERA in 2025. She was a key contributor to Oklahoma's 2024 national championship and had notable performances like helping secure a no-hitter and escaping a bases-loaded jam in the Women's College World Series Championship Series. Monticelli's transfer to LSU comes as the Tigers aim to strengthen their pitching staff after finishing ninth in the SEC in 2025, while Oklahoma added LSU pitcher Sydney Berzon in the transfer portal. Monticelli expressed gratitude to Sooner Nation for their support and acknowledged the difficulty of her decision to transfer. Additionally, LSU has bolstered its roster by signing other transfers such as infielder Ally Hutchins and utility player Char Lorenz.