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NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits Set for Opening Day

June 19, 2010 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


After a five game series on the road, a non-league Battle of the Sexes game and an exhibition against the Virginia Renegades, the Chicago Bandits will finally return for their home opener. The Bandits will bash bats with the Akron Racers at Judson University in Elgin, Ill. on Sunday, June 20 at 5:05 p.m. in the first of a three game series at home.

It will be a quick turnaround for the Bandits, who play the Renegades, a traveling softball program out of Roanoke, Va., on Saturday, June 19.

"Traveling is always tiring and takes a bit of a toll," said Emily Friedman, the Bandits' second baseman. "But many of us are used to that lifestyle...and I think we're all just really excited to play."

The Bandit's have a reason to be excited. Not only will this match-up be their first home game, but after winning their season opening series against the USSSA Pride 3-2, the Bandits are tied for first with Akron in the National Pro Fastpitch standings.

The Racers, who recently topped the Tennessee Diamonds 3-2 in a five game series, are worthy opponents, but Friedman is confident that the Bandits can come out on top.

"I think we just need to have the mentality of coming out one game at at time and focusing on the present," said Friedman "All the teams have amazing athletes...our goal of course is to win every game in every series, but if we put our best foot forward I think we're going to do well."

Bandit's catcher Rachel Folden, who currently leads the league in home runs, has a similar mentality. She says, however, that the specific key to the Bandit's success will be their hitting.

"W'ere going to have to hit," said Folden. "In the games we struggled against the Pride we didn't hit. We have a good enough pitching staff to hold us down and if we can pitch against the Pride's lineup, we can pitch against anybody's line up."

It's still early in the season, but with a chance to pull ahead in the NPF standings the Bandits should come out firing.

For ticket information please call 1-877-7-BANDIT.

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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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