NPF Chicago Bandits

2013 Schedule Released; Abbott Back in the Circle

Published on February 25, 2013 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Chicago Bandits of National Pro Fastpitch announced its schedule today for the upcoming 2013 season, which will begin on Wednesday, June 5 with a match-up against the visiting Akron Racers.

The 2013 season marks the NPF's 10th anniversary. The four affiliate teams will square off in more than 13 different venues, including Corpus Christi, LSU and Louisiana-Lafayette. The 2013 season will culminate with the NPF Championship Series to be held in August at The Ballpark at Rosemont.

The game on June 5 will open the season for the league, as the USSSA Pride and NY/NJ Comets will open their season on Thursday, June 6. The 2013 season will be the inaugural season for the Comets. All series in 2013 will be four-game sets, with a total of 44 games per team, which is slightly different than the 2012 campaign.

The Bandits, who finished second last season with a 25-19 record, will take on the Racers for four games before heading east to take on the Comets. After four games with NY/NJ, Chicago will return home for four with last season's regular season champion, the USSSA Pride beginning on Thursday, June 20.

Chicago will have 12 home games during the month of July, including an afternoon game on July 4 when the Comets are in town. The day game on July 4 will be the only weekday day game of the season for the Bandits. In addition to the July 3-6 series with the Comets, the Bandits will take on the Racers from July 18-21 and the Comets again from July 24-27.

In August, the Bandits will wrap up the regular season from August 15-18 with a four-game set against the USSSA Pride.

The Bandits will announce its promotional nights for the 2013 season by mid-March and tickets will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. CT. Bandits season ticket holders will have the opportunity to reserve their extra tickets for all Sunday games beginning on Monday, March 4. Ticket prices for the 2013 season and information on group packages, birthday packages and single game tickets can be found on the team website. Ticket prices start at $7 for Outfield seats, $10 for Upper Box Seats, $11 for Upper Club Seats, $13 for Lower Box Seats and $15 for Lower Club Seats. All ticket prices include fees and taxes. A complete home and away schedule with start times is available at www.chicagobandits.com .

Chicago Bandits 2013 Home Schedule

Wednesday, June 5 "" Saturday, June 8 vs. Akron Racers

Thursday, June 20 "" Sunday, June 23 vs. USSSA Pride

Wednesday, July 3 "" Saturday, July 6 vs. NY/NJ Comets

Thursday, July 18 "" Sunday, July 21 vs. Akron Racers

Wednesday, July 24 "" Saturday, July 27 vs. NY/NJ Comets

Wednesday, August 14 "" Saturday, August 17 vs. USSSA Pride

Two-time NPF Pitcher of the Year back in the circle for 2013 Photo by Dina Kwit

ROSEMONT, Ill. - Chicago Bandits GM, Aaron M. Moore has announced the re-signing of pitcher Monica Abbott for the 2013 season.

"Monica is the exact definition of an ACE and we're thrilled to have her back for season number three in a Bandits uniform," stated Moore. "She is the type of pitcher that every person wants on their team.

"Monica wants the ball when the game is online and I think her teammates feed off of her emotion in the circle. Getting the deal with Monica completed was a very important task this offseason!"

Originally drafted out of the University of Tennessee in 2007, Abbott spent time with the Washington Glory, USSSA Pride and Tennessee Diamonds before signing with the Bandits in February of 2011.

In her first season as a Bandit, Abbott was named Co-Pitcher of the Year, and finished the season by pitching her way through the NPF Championship Series to secure the organization's second Cowles Cup Championship.

"I'm so happy to be back for another year with the Bandits," said Abbott. "I value the organization's vision and am proud to represent them for the future of softball."

Building off her success in 2011, Abbott continued to dominate in 2012, as she finished with a league-high 14 wins and 190 strikeouts during the regular season. In addition, she was named to the All-NPF team and took home the title of Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Abbott wasted little time getting the 2012 season off to a good start as she defeated the USSSA Pride in her first two starts. In the season opener, the only hit she allowed was a sixth inning single to Francesca Enea. The lone run surrendered in the Bandits 4-1 win was an unearned run in the top of the first.

Abbott was even better in her second start of the summer. Abbott tossed a no-hitter and near perfect game while striking out 14 Pride hitters.

"Thank you to the Bandits fans who have continued to make the Bandits the best place to play in the NPF. I look forward to competing for the championship in 2013."

For more information about the Chicago Bandits, visit www.chicagobandits.com or call the front office at 877-722-6348.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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