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NPF National Pro Fastpitch

Bandits' Reed and Cheek Agree to OPAL with Enerfab

July 19, 2019 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) News Release


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Chicago Bandits rookie infielders, Abbey Cheek and Katie Reed, are partnering with Enerfab through an On Player Ad Location (OPAL) agreement for the remainder of the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) season.

Cheek, the 14th overall selection in the 2019 NPF College Draft, by the Chicago Bandits, signed on in June and immediately dented the Bandits roster, posting a .382 average through her first month and a half as a rookie. Cheek was named the Rawlings Rookie of the Week for the NPF three times this season for the weeks of June 17, June 24 and July 8.

Cheek finished her college career at the University of Kentucky in May, putting an exclamation point on a highly decorated four years as a Wildcat by being named the 2019 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division I National Softball Player of the Year and the SEC Player of the Year. Other notable accomplishments for Cheek, include a 2019 All American nod by unanimous vote (only the 4th to do so in Kentucky softball history), 2019 SEC All Tournament Team 2019 NFCA All South Region, 2018 First Team All SEC Selection, and 2018 SEC All Defensive Team, to mention a few. Cheek set new career records in the key categories of Home Runs, RBIs, and Runs.

"I am excited to wear the Enerfab logo and to support such a great company," commented Cheek. "Vickie and Wendell are both such great people, and I am excited we crossed paths!"

Reed, the 19th overall selection by the Bandits, and fellow Kentucky Wildcat with Cheek, made her third ESPN SportsCenter Top 10 appearance, and first as a professional, on July 4th, when her defensive prowess was recognized at number nine, on the day's highlighted sports plays.

As a Wildcat, Reed was highly decorated throughout her career at Kentucky. Within the SEC, Reed was named to the All Freshman Team, All Defensive Team and All Conference Team throughout her tenure, along with being named an NFCA All American in 2017. On the academic side, she was equally impressive, being twice named the SEC's Scholar Athlete of the Year. In 2019, she was given the prestigious honor of being the University of Kentucky's nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year.

"I am excited for our league to partner with Enerfab Inc. and represent this well-trusted company this season," commented Reed. "Wendell and Vickie Bell are incredible people, and I am grateful for their support of my softball career at the professional level, and their commitment to help National Pro Fastpitch grow."

Founded in 1901, Enerfab has become an industry leader in fabrication, construction and maintenance services within the energy and heavy industrial markets. The company is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

"We are proud to be supporting Abbey and Katie through the OPAL program," stated Wendell and Vickie Bell. "We know that Abbey is a great young lady determined to make her mark in softball, and Katie is a wonderful representative of the University of Kentucky who has excelled at everything she put her hand to do!"

Cheek, Reed, and their Chicago Bandits teammates opened their 2019 season on June 6 against the Cleveland Comets at their home in Rosemont, Illinois, the Park Bank Sports Complex. The Bandits have since sat at the top of the league standings throughout the season, occupying either the first or second place spot consistently. The 46 game regular season slate will see the Bandits seek their fifth Cowles Cup.

National Pro Fastpitch took the field for its 16th season in 2019 when opening day took place on May 28th in Daytona Beach, FL at Jackie Robinson Park, between the Beijing Shougang Eagles and the Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois. The 138 game season will culminate on August 11, followed by the Championship Series August 15-19, which will feature a best-of-five series between the league's top two teams. The complete regular season will be streamed live in its entirety domestically, exclusively on Flo Softball. Fans can follow the live stream by subscribing to Flo Softball at FloSoftball.com . Internationally, the live stream and VOD are available through the league's website at www.profastpitch.com on NPFTV, with select games also featured on the Canadian Broadcast Corporation digital channel, and the Olympic Channel.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 19, 2019


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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