Knighten, Romero Finalists for Top Freshman

NORMAN – University of Oklahoma infielders Shay Knighten and Sydney Romero have been named two of 25 finalists for the 2016 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year, it was announced Thursday.

Knighten leads the Sooners with nine home runs and ranks second in batting average (.396), slugging percentage (.712) and runs batted in. Within the Big 12 she ranks fourth in home runs, fifth in slugging, seventh in average, eighth in on-base percentage, ninth in RBI, 10^th in total bases (79).

She's played in 37 games with 33 starts and has shown her versatility by starting 12 games at second base and first base, seven as the designated player, two in right field and one in left field. Among her highlights this season include a multi-homer game against No. 2 Michigan, a 3-4 performance with five runs batted in at New Mexico State, a walk-off home run against No. 6 Alabama and a game against Texas where she had three hits, including a three-run homer, scored four runs and stole two bases.

Romero started the first 41 games of the season at third base before missing Wednesday night's game at Arkansas. She is tied for the team lead in both runs (37) and triples (3). Additionally, she's second with 50 hits, 11 doubles and 82 total bases. She ranks tied for first in the Big 12 in triples, fifth in runs scored, eighth in doubles and total bases, ninth in hits and No. 10 in batting average (.365).

Oklahoma is one of three schools to have two players on the list, joining Florida and Texas A&M.

This is the third year of the award and Knighten and Romero are looking to become the second Sooner to take home the honor. Last year, current Oklahoma sophomore Paige Parker was named the winner.

The Top 10 finalists will be unveiled on May 12, while the Top Three will be revealed on May 25. The 2016 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year will be announced on May 31.