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Force head to Chicago

July 20, 2006 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Philadelphia Force News Release


The Philadelphia Force travels to Chicago this weekend to take on the Bandits in a four-game series from July 20th to the 23rd. The two teams will play in Lisle, Illinois, at the Benedictine University Sports Complex. Game time is set for 7:05 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 3:05 PM on Sunday. Game recaps and box scores will be available following each game at www.philadelphiaforce.com.

While the Force is struggling to get out of last place in the NPF, there has been marked improvement in the team's play. Third baseman, Emily Friedman, is happy with the team's performance and is looking forward to the upcoming series against the Bandits. "We have the momentum right now that we have been looking for the whole season. We really needed that win on Saturday [against the Riptide in Game Four], and every member of the ball club contributed."

The Opponents

The Force faces some tough competition this week, as Chicago is the current league-leader, standing at 20-3 on the season. The Bandit's three losses come at the hands of the New England Riptide (once) and the Chinese Tai Pei (twice). The team is led by Anne Steffan, who is currently batting .435, and Vicky Galindo, former college teammate of Force players Chelsea Spencer and Emily Friedman, who has notched a .375 average at the plate. The Bandits made immediate noise in its first season as a member of National Pro Fastpitch, finishing as regular season champs. Current Force hurler, Lauren Bay, led the Bandits in 2005 as NPF Co-Pitcher of the Year.

Force power hitter, Jenna Hall, states that the Force needs to capitalize on base runners in order to be successful. "Chicago is the number one team in the league, but I think we can be successful against them. We just need to keep hitting and start to capitalize more on our base runners. We are hitting the ball; we need to focus on getting hits during key situations and avoid leaving base runners stranded."

Don't Miss Out

Force fans that are unable to catch the action as Philadelphia is on the road at Chicago will be able to tune into ESPN2 for Game Four. Check out www.philadelphiaforce.com for broadcast time.

Homecoming

The Force loves playing in front of their fans at ECTB Stadium at Bicentennial Park, so there will be a plethora of promotions celebrating their return to Allentown after a four-game series on the road at Chicago. In addition to the regularly scheduled homestand promotions of Dollar Dog Night on Thursday and Kids Kraft Activities on Saturday, there will be some special appearances and complimentary gifts throughout the weekend.

Wednesday, July 26th, features an appearance by renowned college coach, Sue Enquist, who will be throwing out the first pitch of the series. Clever Closets Night, also on Wednesday, gives free rally towels to the first 500 fans courtesy of Clever Closets. Furthermore, Clever Closets is giving away a $500 gift certificate to one lucky fan. Post game activities include a performance by country band, Carolina Rain. Thursday, July 27th, brings out Olympic Gold Medalist, Michelle Smith, to Bicentennial Park. Finally, Saturday, July 29th, Krazy Tyrone the Entertainer will be working his way through the stands, offering prizes and entertainment to all fans!

Roundtable Session with UCLA Coach Sue Enquist

The Philadelphia Force has announced a roundtable session with renowned coach, Sue Enquist, open to the public. This session will involve Enquist detailing the processes of recruiting, the transition from high school to college, and college softball as a whole. This is a very rare opportunity to pick the brain of one of softball's most knowledgeable coaches. This event will take place Tuesday, July 25th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. Tickets cost $60 for one, $85 for two, and $100 for three, and all packages include two VIP tickets to the July 26th Force game against the Akron Racers. Contact Kim Wood at kwood@philadelphiaforce.com for further details or to purchase tickets.

Upcoming Broadcasts

Next week's series against the Akron Racers features multiple broadcasts of the series. Game one and two (the 26th and 27th) will be tape delayed on ESPN, showing on Saturday at noon and Sunday at 1 pm, respectively. Saturday, July 29th, will be a live broadcast on Service Electric Cable, TV2 Sports.Log onto www.philadelphiaforce.com/news/television to check broadcast times, and tune in to catch the action.



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from July 20, 2006


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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