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NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits kick off championship defense against NPF's newest franchise

June 2, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT. - The Bandits will begin their Cowles Cup defense with a three-game series against the Scrap Yard Dawgs, who became the NPF's sixth franchise in October 2015. Tonight's game is the 500th regular season in franchise history.

Based in The Woodlands, Texas, the Dawgs made an early statement after acquiring former Bandits ace Monica Abbott in the offseason. Abbott signed the first $1 million contract in league history back on May 5, hoping to help expand the sport and pave the way for future opportunities for female athletes. While with the Bandits, Abbott earned NPF Pitcher of the Year honors three times and played a major part in the team capturing a pair of Cowles Cup championships.

Abbott will not be present for the series in Chicago due to her commitment to playing professionally in Japan during the offseason. She will join the Dawgs immediately following the conclusion of her season overseas.

In addition to Abbott, the Dawgs boast 2014 NPF Offensive Player of the Year Nerissa Myers and 2014 NPF Rookies of the Year Madison Shipman, along with a promising group of draftees and rookies.

The Bandits will return 12 players from last year's championship squad, including All-NPF First Team members Brittany Cervantes and Taylor Edwards. In the offseason, the team also added All-NPF First Team shortstop Jill Barrett, who was acquired via trade in November. Barrett will step into the void left by longtime shortstop Tammy Williams, who announced her retirement this offseason. Via open tryouts on May 29, the Bandits rounded out their 2016 roster by adding South Carolina's Alaynie Page, Illinois' Allie Bauch, Central Florida's Samantha McCloskey and Indiana's Kelsey Dotson.

Shelby Turnier, who the Bandits selected 11th overall in the 2016 NPF Draft, will also look to provide an immediate impact and help round out a rotation that posted a 2.44 team ERA last season, good for the second-best mark in the league. She will join second-year professional Lacey Waldrop and veterans Michelle Gascoigne, Sara Moulton and Tatum Edwards. In May, the Bandits also announced the signing of University of Indianapolis pitcher Morgan Foley, an undrafted free agent who tossed eight career no-hitters in Division II.

Game one of the series is set for 7:05 p.m. on Thursday at The Ballpark at Rosemont. Games two and three will be Friday and Saturday, respectively, at 7:35 p.m.

Game schedule and probable pitching matchups

Thursday, June 4, 2016 - 7:05 p.m.

- SYA: Sara Nevins (0-0) vs. CHI: Michelle Gascoigne (0-0)

Friday, June 5, 2016 - 7:35 p.m.

- SYA: Rachel Fox (0-0) vs. CHI: Lacey Waldrop (0-0)

Saturday, June 6, 2016 - 7:35 p.m.

- SYA: Sara Nevins (0-0) vs. CHI: Shelby Turnier (0-0)

Promotional schedule

June 2 - First 300 fans receive t-shirt, courtesy of team dentist (Dr. Eric Jackson, DDS)

- Full team autograph session after completion of game

June 3 - Kids Run the Bases Night

- Partial-team autograph session after completion of game, featuring Tatum Edwards, Danielle Zymkowitz, Sara Moulton, Sammy Marshall, Lacey Waldrop and Natalie Hernandez *

June 4 - Special Olympics Night, Post Giveaway for first 200 fans

- Partial team autograph session after completion of game, featuring Jill Barrett, Megan Blank, Emily Allard, Michelle Gascoigne and Brenna Moss *

* players subject to change

Players to watch

For the Bandits, fans should keep an eye out for Michelle Gascoigne, who looks to take a step forward as the Bandits most tenured pitcher this season. Gascoigne is entering her fourth season as a professional and is coming off a solid 2015 campaign. She compiled a 6-5 mark in the circle, logging 77.2 innings, second only to Abbott, and fired eight complete games.

While the Dawgs will be without Abbott for their first series in the NPF, the team is not without firepower offensively and in the circle. Nerissa Myers, who can play all over the field, looks to build off her stellar 2015 season, in which she batted .311 with nine home runs and 31 RBI with the Akron Racers. She quickly became one of the most feared batters in the league. Additionally, the Dawgs have southpaw Sara Nevins, a 2014 Women's National Team member and World Cup of Softball gold medalist. She'll try to halt a powerful Bandits attack in her first action as a professional.

Tickets

Single game and group tickets for the 2016 Bandits season are available now by calling the office at 877-722-6348 or by visiting www.chicagobandits.com. Tickets start at just $7.25/each.

For more information on the Bandits, please contact the team at 877-722-6348 or visit them on the web at www.chicagobandits.com.

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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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