2015 National Pro Fastpitch season

2015 NPF Season
LeagueNational Pro Fastpitch
Sportsoftball
DurationMay 29, 2015 – August 11, 2015
Number of teams5
TV partner(s)CBS Sports Network,
Longhorn Network/ESPN3
2015 NPF Draft
Top draft pickLauren Chamberlain 1B
Oklahoma
Picked byUSSSA Florida Pride
Regular Season
NPF Trophy
(Best record)
USSSA Florida Pride
  Runners-upChicago Bandits
Player of the YearKelly Kretschman
Pitcher of the YearMonica Abbott
Cowles Cup
ChampionsChicago Bandits
  Runners-upUSSSA Pride
Finals MVPMonica Abbott Chicago Bandits
NPF seasons
← 2014
2016 →

The 2015 National Pro Fastpitch season was the 12th season of professional softball under the name National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) for the only professional women's softball league in the United States. From 1997 to 2002, NPF operated under the names Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL). Each year, the playoff teams battle for the Cowles Cup.

Milestones and events

[edit]

In January 2015, the NPF announced that the Dallas Charge would join the league as an expansion team.[1]

The NPF and CBS Sports Network signed a 2015 agreement for the network to broadcast the NPF Draft, selected regular season games, and all of the NPF Championship Series.[2]

The Pride's homestand against the Bandits, Rebellion, and Racers from July 15 to July 25 was broadcast on the Longhorn Network and was subsequently available for streaming on ESPN3.[3]

On July 10, Cat Osterman pitched the fifth no-hitter of her NPF career, beating the Pennsylvania Rebellion 2-1. (The Rebellion scored their run in the first inning without a hit, by combining two walks and three HBP. Pennsylvania actually led 1-0 going to the 7th inning.)[4]

On July 23, Monica Abbott pitched her second perfect game as a member of the Bandits, beating the Charge, 10-0.[5]

On August 3, Monica Abbott pitched a no-hitter against the Pennsylvania Rebellion, winning 3-0. The pursuit of a perfect game ended in the seventh inning, on a Chicago error and later a walk.[6]

On August 8, Sarah Pauly became the first NPF pitcher to win 100 games.[7]

Rule changes

[edit]

The League Management Committee - consisting of Akron Racers owner Craig Stout, Chicago Bandits general manager Aaron Moore, Dallas Charge general manager Kevin Shelton, Pennsylvania Rebellion owner Stu Williams, and USSSA Pride general manager Don DeDonatis - met in Kissimmee, FL and voted on the following items:[8]

  • Voted unanimously to use, during doubleheaders, a tiebreaker in the 8th inning due to the overall length of playing time that can take place on a double-header day. Motion was made to implement the tie breaker in the 8th inning of a "true" double header, meaning the same two teams playing each other on the same day, regardless of whether the match-up was scheduled in advance or the result of a make-up game. The motion did not include the discussion of using a run-rule after 5 innings.
  • Rejected a motion to use a "run-rule" of 8 runs after 5 innings.
  • Voted to allow individual teams the option to conduct autograph sessions as they choose for the Home Team. (Visiting Team must continue to make all players available for autograph session.)
  • Voted to allow backstops to exceed the current limit of 30' and to continue playing by rules implemented mid-season in 2014.
  • Voted to require umpires to confiscate any and all broken bats that occur during a game and forward them immediately to the League Office. From there, they will be returned to manufacturers and tested to insure they meet regulatory standards. In the event the bat is assessed to be altered, player and team will be assessed appropriate fines.
  • Voted to allow the continuance of no tiebreaker in Championship Series play, (acknowledging that for television or other special circumstances such as play delays, it may be implemented).
  • Voted to raise the per diem for coaches, trainers and players from a $25 per day allowance to a $30 per day allowance ($6 Breakfast, $9 Lunch, $15 Dinner)
  • Voted on sponsorship real estate inside ballpark venues for televised games to be used as follows:
    • From outfield side of dugout around the backstop to outfield side of other dugout belongs to the league if they desire or require to use. This will be for league branding, exclusive category branding and television sponsor branding.
    • From outfield side of dugout down the sidelines and around the outfield fence to the outfield side of the other dugout belongs to the home team if they desire or require to use.
    • Exceptions may be made to the above.
  • Voted to allow teams brand one sleeve of each and every uniform with a sponsor brand, if desired.
  • Voted that beginning in 2015, only official suppliers will be allowed into the headband category and those will be the only headbands allowed on the field of play.
  • Voted that logo sizing limitations will be distributed to official suppliers and must be adhered to on any and all equipment and apparel that makes the NPF playing field (which includes dugouts).
  • Draft order was distributed including the addition of expansion Dallas. Dallas was offered a "Market Choice Selection," which they later used to acquire Renada Davis.
  • Voted that the first item of the "Tie Breaking Procedure" to determine regular season standings would be deleted. This places "Head to head" as the first determiner in tie breaking.
  • Agreed that a scheduling meeting (for 2016 schedule) would be held at the NFCA Convention in Atlanta in December 2015.

Teams, cities and stadiums

[edit]
Team City Stadium
Akron Racers Akron, Ohio Firestone Stadium
Chicago Bandits Rosemont, Illinois (Chicago Area) Ballpark at Rosemont
Dallas Charge Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas Craig Ranch (McKinney) and
Allan Saxe Field[9] (Arlington)
Pennsylvania Rebellion Washington, Pennsylvania Consol Energy Park
USSSA Florida Pride Kissimmee, Florida Champion Stadium

Other sites

[edit]

Player acquisition

[edit]

College draft

[edit]

The 2015 NPF College Draft was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, 5:30 pm CST at the CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. Lauren Chamberlain of Oklahoma was selected first by USSSA Florida Pride.[16] Draft order was determined by regular season standings from 2014, but subsequent trades and transactions altered the overall draft order.[17]

Notable transactions

[edit]

League standings

[edit]

Through 8/10/15 Source:ProFastpitch.com[usurped][usurped]

Team GP W L Pct. GB
USSSA Florida Pride 48 34 14 .708 -
Chicago Bandits 48 31 17 .646 3
Akron Racers 48 22 26 .458 12
Dallas Charge 48 17 31 .354 17
Pennsylvania Rebellion 48 16 32 .333 19

Results table

[edit]
2015 NPF Records
Team Racers Bandits Charge Rebellion Pride
Akron Racers 5-7 7–5 5–7 5–7
Chicago Bandits 7–5 9–3 10–2 5-7
Dallas Charge 5–7 3–9 6–6 3–9
Pennsylvania Rebellion 7-5 2–10 6-6 1–11
USSSA Florida Pride 7–5 7-5 9–3 11–1

All stats come from [1][usurped]

Legend
  Protest/Halted Game
  Postponement
Bold Winning team

2015 Game log

May/June
Date Visiting Team Home Team Venue Score Win Loss Save Attendance
5/29/2015 W Chicago Bandits (1-0) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (0-1) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 2-0 Kirsten Verdun (1-0) Angel Bunner(0-1) - 1013
5/30/2015 L Akron Racers (0-1) W Pennsylvania Rebellion (1-1) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 3-6 Allyson Fournier (1-0) Hannah Campbell (0-1) Angel Bunner (S1)
5/30/2015 W Chicago Bandits (2-0) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (1-2) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 5-0 Sara Moulton (1-0) Emma Johnson (0-1) - 1002
5/31/2015 W Chicago Bandits (3-0) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (1-3) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 12-4 Tatum Edwards (1-0) Bryanna Walker (0-1) -
5/31/2015 W Akron Racers (1-1) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (1-4) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 2-1
(8 innings)
Laura Winter (1-0) Dallas Escobedo (0-1) - 986
6/3/2015 W Pennsylvania Rebellion (2-4) L Dallas Charge (0-1) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 4-3 Angel Bunner (1-1) Sarah Purvis (0-1) - 701
6/4/2015 L Akron Racers (1-2) W Chicago Bandits (4-0) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 5-6
(8 innings)
Tatum Edwards (2-0) Laura Winter (1-1) - 1065
6/4/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (2-5) W Dallas Charge (1-1) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 5-9 Vanessa Stokes (1-0) Bryana Walker (0-2) -
6/5/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (2-6) W Dallas Charge (2-1) Allan Saxe Field - UTA, Arlington, TX 0-3 Vanessa Stokes (2-0) Allyson Fournier (1-1) Sarah Purvis (S1)
6/5/2015 L Akron Racers (1-3) W Chicago Bandits (5-0) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 1-3 Lacey Waldrop (1-0) Lisa Norris (0-1) - 938
6/6/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (1-0) L Dallas Charge (2-2) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 10-2 Cat Osterman (1-0) Sarah Purvis (0-2) -
6/6/2015 W Akron Racers (2-3) L Chicago Bandits (5-1) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 8-4
(9 innings)
Sarah Pauly (1-0) Tatum Edwards (2-1) - 799
6/7/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (2-0) L Dallas Charge (2-3) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 3-1 Chelsea Thomas (1-0) Vanessa Stokes (2-1) Jordan Taylor (S1) 548
6/8/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (3-0) L Dallas Charge (2-4) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 4-3 Chelsea Thomas (2-0) Sarah Purvis (0-3) Jordan Taylor (S2) 551
6/8/2015 W Chicago Bandits (6-1) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (2-7) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 4-2
(6 innings,
rain shortened)
Sara Moulton (2-0) Emily Weiman (0-1) - 302
6/9/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (4-0) L Dallas Charge (2-5) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 4-1 Cat Osterman (2-0) Lauren Haeger (0-1) - 476
6/9/2015 Chicago Bandits Pennsylvania Rebellion Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA The Rebellion's protest was upheld and game halted after 9 innings. To be resumed on July 5.[game notes 1]
6/10/2015 W Chicago Bandits (7-1) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (2-8) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 5-0 Michelle Gascoigne (1-0) Dallas Escobedo (0-2) - 667
6/11/2015 W Pennsylvania Rebellion (3-8) L Akron Racers (2-4) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 2-1 Emily Weiman (1-1) Lisa Norris (0-2) Emma Johnson (S1)
6/11/2015 W Dallas Charge (3-5) L USSSA Florida Pride (4-1) CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City, Kansas 5-2 Vanessa Stokes (3-1) Hannah Rogers (0-1) Lauren Haeger (S1)
6/12/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (3-9) W Akron Racers (3-4) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 3-6 Sarah Pauly (2-0) Dagmar Bloeming (0-1) -
6/12/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (5-1) L Dallas Charge (3-6) CommunityAmerica Ballpark - Kansas City, Kansas 6-0 Cat Osterman (3-0) Lauren Haeger (0-2) -
6/13/2015 Pennsylvania Rebellion Akron Racers Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date:June 14)
6/14/2015
Doubleheader/ makeup game
W Pennsylvania Rebellion (4-9) L Akron Racers (3-5) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 7-3 Dallas Escobedo (1-2) Aimee Creger (0-1) Emily Weiman (S1)
Pennsylvania Rebellion Akron Racers Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date:August 7)
6/15/2015 W Dallas Charge (4-6) L USSSA Florida Pride (5-2) University Field - Columbia, Missouri 4-1 Jolene Henderson (1-0) Chelsea Thomas (2-1) - 691
6/16/2015 Dallas Charge USSSA Florida Pride University Field - Columbia, Missouri Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date:8/6/2015)
6/17/2015 W Chicago Bandits (8-1) L Akron Racers (3-6) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 6-4 Monica Abbott (1-0) Sarah Pauly (2-1) -
6/17/2015 Pennsylvania Rebellion Dallas Charge The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date: June 18)
6/18/2015 Chicago Bandits Akron Racers Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date: June 19)
6/18/2015
Doubleheader/ makeup game
W Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-9) L Dallas Charge (4-7) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 3-2 Emma Johnson (1-1) Morgan Melloh (0-1) Haylie Wagner (S1) 53
L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-10) W Dallas Charge (5-7) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 0-1 (8 innings) Jolene Henderson (2-0) Dallas Escobedo (1-3) - 145
6/19/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-11) W Dallas Charge (6-7) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 5-6 (9 innings) Lauren Haeger (1-2) Emily Weiman (1-2) -
6/19/2015
Doubleheader/ makeup game
L Chicago Bandits (8-2) W Akron Racers (4-6) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 7-11 Alison Owen (1-0) Lacey Waldrop (1-1) Sarah Pauly (S1)
W Chicago Bandits (9-2) L Akron Racers (4-7) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 11-3 Michelle Gascoigne (2-0) Laura Winter (1-2) -
6/21/2015 L Dallas Charge (6-8) W Chicago Bandits (10-2) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-2 Kirsten Verdun (2-0) Jolene Henderson (2-1) - 881
6/21/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (6-2) L Akron Racers (4-8) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 6-2 Keilani Ricketts (1-0) Lisa Norris (0-3) Jordan Taylor (S3)
6/22/2015 L USSSA Florida Pride (6-3) W Akron Racers (5-8) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 0-2 Sarah Pauly (3-1) Cat Osterman (3-1) -
6/22/2015 L Dallas Charge (6-9) W Chicago Bandits (11-2) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-4 Monica Abbott (2-0) Lauren Haeger (1-3) - 961
6/23/2015 L USSSA Florida Pride (6-4) W Akron Racers (6-8) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 2-3 Lisa Norris (1-3) Jordan Taylor (0-1) - 582
6/23/2015 L Dallas Charge (6-10) W Chicago Bandits (12-2) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-2 Sara Moulton (3-0) Morgan Melloh (0-2) Michelle Gascoigne (S1) 1164
6/25/2015 L Chicago Bandits (12-3) W Akron Racers (7-8) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 0-6 Sarah Pauly (4-1) Tatum Edwards (2-2) -
6/25/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (7-4) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-12) Santander Stadium, York, PA 4-3 (12 innings) Cat Osterman (4-1) Emily Weiman (1-3) - 3265
6/26/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (8-4) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-13) Clipper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster, PA 4-2 (10 innings) Hannah Rogers (1-1) Haylie Wagner (0-1) Jordan Taylor (S4) 2812
6/26/2015 L Chicago Bandits (12-4) W Akron Racers (8-8) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 2-5 Lisa Norris (2-3) Michelle Gascoigne (2-1) - 418
6/27/2015 USSSA Florida Pride Pennsylvania Rebellion Clipper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster, PA Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date: July 11)
6/27/2015 W Chicago Bandits (13-4) L Akron Racers (8-9) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 2-0 Monica Abbott (3-0) Alison Owen (1-1) -
6/29/2015 W Akron Racers (9-9) L Dallas Charge (6-11) Twin Rivers Community Park - Greeley, CO 3-2 Sarah Pauly (5-1) Jolene Henderson (2-2) -
6/29/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (9-4) L Chicago Bandits (13-5) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 3-2 (10 innings) Keilani Ricketts (2-0) Monica Abbott (3-1) Jordan Taylor (S5) 1130
6/30/2015 W Akron Racers (10-9) L Dallas Charge (6-12) Erie Community Park - Erie, CO 5-2 Lisa Norris (3-3) Lauren Haeger (1-4) -
6/30/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (10-4) L Chicago Bandits (13-6) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 3-2 Cat Osterman (5-1) Lacey Waldrop (1-2) - 854
July
Date Visiting Team Home Team Venue Score Win Loss Save Attendance
7/1/2015 W Akron Racers (11-9) L Dallas Charge (6-13) Christopher Fields - Westminster, CO 9-1 Rachele Fico (1-0) Morgan Melloh (0-3) -
7/1/2015 L USSSA Florida Pride (10-5) W Chicago Bandits (14-6) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-7 Monica Abbott (4-1) Keilani Ricketts (2-1) - 939
7/2/2015 L Akron Racers (11-10) W Dallas Charge (7-13) Aurora Sports Park - Aurora, CO 5-8 Lauren Haeger (2-4) Sarah Pauly (5-2) -
7/2/2015 L USSSA Florida Pride (10-6) W Chicago Bandits (15-6) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-2 Michelle Gascoigne (3-1) Cat Osterman (5-2) - 886
7/3/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-14) W USSSA Florida Pride (11-6) Ned Skeldon Stadium - Maumee, OH 0-4 Chelsea Thomas (3-1) Dallas Escobedo (1-4) - 135
7/4/2015 W Akron Racers (12-10) L Dallas Charge (7-14) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 7-1 Lisa Norris (4-3) Jolene Henderson (2-3) - 950
7/4/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-15) W USSSA Florida Pride (12-6) Ned Skeldon Stadium - Maumee, OH 2-5 Hannah Rogers (2-1) Dagmar Bloeming (0-2) Jordan Taylor (S6)
7/5/2015
Resumption of June 9 halted game
L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-16) W Chicago Bandits (16-6) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 6-7 (10 innings) Tatum Edwards (3-2) Dallas Escobedo (1-5) -
7/5/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-17) W Chicago Bandits (17-6) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 3-6 Lacey Waldrop (2-2) Emily Weiman (1-4) - 941
7/5/2015 L Akron Racers (12-11) W Dallas Charge (8-14) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 5-11 Vanessa Stokes (4-1) Alison Owen (1-2) - 473
7/6/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-18) W Chicago Bandits (18-6) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-1 Monica Abbott (5-1) Haylie Wagner (0-2) - 904
7/7/2015 L Akron Racers (12-12) W USSSA Florida Pride (13-6) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 1-4 Cat Osterman (6-2) Hannah Campbell (0-2) Jordan Taylor (S7) 556
7/7/2015 USSSA Florida Pride Akron Racers Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date:July 8)
7/7/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-19) W Chicago Bandits (19-6) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 2-3 Michelle Gascoigne (4-1) Emma Johnson (1-2) - 1394
7/8/2015 L USSSA Florida Pride (13-7) W Akron Racers (13-12) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 4-5 Sarah Pauly (6-2) Hannah Rogers (2-2) -
W USSSA Florida Pride (14-7) L Akron Racers (13-13) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 5-1 Keilani Ricketts (3-1) Rachele Fico (1-1) - 732
7/9/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (15-7) L Akron Racers (13-14) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 6-4 Jordan Taylor (1-1) Lisa Norris (4-4) - 527
7/9/2015 W Chicago Bandits (20-6) L Dallas Charge (8-15) Allan Saxe Field - UTA, Arlington, TX 4-3 Kirsten Verdun (3-0) Morgan Melloh (0-4) Lacey Waldrop (S1) 347
7/10/2015 W Chicago Bandits (21-6) L Dallas Charge (8-16) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 1-0 Monica Abbott (6-1) Jolene Henderson (2-4) - 578
7/10/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (16-7) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-20) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 2-1 Cat Osterman (7-2)
No-Hitter
Miranda Kramer (0-1) - 986
7/11/2015 L Chicago Bandits (21-7) W Dallas Charge (9-16) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 0-5 Lauren Haeger (3-4) Sara Moulton (3-1) - 447
7/11/2015
Doubleheader/ makeup game
W USSSA Florida Pride (17-7) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-21) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 5-0 Keilani Ricketts (4-1) Dallas Escobedo (1-6) -
W USSSA Florida Pride (18-7) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-22) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 2-0 Chelsea Thomas (4-1) Emily Weiman (1-5) - 1528
7/12/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (19-7) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (5-23) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 3-0 Hannah Rogers (3-2) Haylie Wagner (0-3) Jordan Taylor (S8) 652
7/13/2015 L Chicago Bandits (21-8) W USSSA Florida Pride (20-7) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 2-5 Cat Osterman (8-2) Lacey Waldrop (2-3) - 1634
7/13/2015 L Dallas Charge (9-17) W Pennsylvania Rebellion (6-23) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 2-3 (10 innings) Emma Johnson (2-2) Lauren Haeger (3-5) - 541
7/14/2015 L Chicago Bandits (21-9) W USSSA Florida Pride (21-7) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 3-5 Keilani Ricketts (5-1) Michelle Gascoigne (4-2) Jordan Taylor (S9) 941
7/14/2015 L Dallas Charge (9-18) W Pennsylvania Rebellion (7-23) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 4-5 Haylie Wagner (1-3) Jolene Henderson (2-5) - 1197
7/15/2015 L Dallas Charge (9-19) W Pennsylvania Rebellion (8-23) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 0-1 Dallas Escobedo (2-6) Morgan Melloh (0-5) - 601
7/15/2015 W Chicago Bandits (22-9) L USSSA Florida Pride (21-8) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 2-0 Monica Abbott (7-1) Chelsea Thomas (4-2) - 9752
7/16/2015 W Dallas Charge (10-19) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (8-24) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 3-0 Vanessa Stokes (5-1) Miranda Kramer (0-2) Jolene Henderson (S1) 898
7/16/2015 L Chicago Bandits (22-10) W USSSA Florida Pride (22-8) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 5-6 Cat Osterman (9-2) Tatum Edwards (3-3) 921
7/17/2015 L Dallas Charge (10-20) W Akron Racers (14-14) Berliner Park, Columbus OH 0-1 Sarah Pauly (7-2) Jolene Henderson (2-6) - 777
7/18/2015 W Dallas Charge (11-20) L Akron Racers (14-15) Berliner Park, Columbus OH 9-6 Lauren Haeger (4-5) Lisa Norris (4-5) Morgan Melloh (S1) 565
7/18/2015 W Pennsylvania Rebellion (9-24) L USSSA Florida Pride (22-9) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 6-3 Haylie Wagner (2-3) Keilani Ricketts (5-2) Emily Weiman (S2) 12175
7/19/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (9-25) W USSSA Florida Pride (23-9) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 1-3 Chelsea Thomas (5-2) Miranda Kramer (0-3) Jordan Taylor (S10)
7/20/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (9-26) W USSSA Florida Pride (24-9) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 1-7 Cat Osterman (10-2) Dallas Escobedo (2-7) - 674
7/20/2015 W Dallas Charge (12-20) L Akron Racers (14-16) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 9-0 Morgan Melloh (1-5) Rachele Fico (1-2) - 469
7/21/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (9-27) W USSSA Florida Pride (25-9) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 1-3 Keilani Ricketts (6-2) Emily Weiman (1-6) Jordan Taylor (S11) 634
7/21/2015 L Dallas Charge (12-21) W Akron Racers (15-16) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 0-6 Sarah Pauly (8-2) Jolene Henderson (2-7) - 616
7/22/2015 W Akron Racers (16-16) L USSSA Florida Pride (25-10) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 5-4 Rachele Fico (2-2) Chelsea Thomas (5-3) - 502
7/23/2015 L Dallas Charge (12-22) W Chicago Bandits (23-10) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-10 Monica Abbott (8-1)
Perfect Game
Vanessa Stokes (5-2) - 1502
7/23/2015 L Akron Racers (16-17) W USSSA Florida Pride (26-10) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 1-2 Cat Osterman (11-2) Lisa Norris (4-6) - 711
7/24/2015 L Akron Racers (16-18) W USSSA Florida Pride (27-10) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 4-6 Keilani Ricketts (7-2) Sarah Pauly (8-3) - 613
7/24/2015 W Dallas Charge (13-22) L Chicago Bandits (23-11) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 9-2 Lauren Haeger (5-5) Michelle Gascoigne (4-3) - 1611
7/25/2015 L Akron Racers (16-19) W USSSA Florida Pride (28-10) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 2-8 Chelsea Thomas (6-3) Rachele Fico (2-3) - 568
7/25/2015 L Dallas Charge (13-23) W Chicago Bandits (24-11) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-1 (8 innings) Monica Abbott (9-1) Morgan Melloh (1-6) - 1386
7/25/2015 W Akron Racers (17-19) L USSSA Florida Pride (28-11) Champion Stadium - Kissimmee, FL 5-1 Lisa Norris (5-6) Andi Williamson (0-1) - 578
7/27/2015 W Dallas Charge (14-23) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (9-28) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 3-2 (9 innings) Jolene Henderson (3-7) Dallas Escobedo (2-8) - 782
7/27/2015 L USSSA Florida Pride (28-12) W Chicago Bandits (25-11) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-3 (9 innings) Monica Abbott (10-1) Keilani Ricketts (7-3) - 1376
7/28/2015 L Dallas Charge (14-24) W Pennsylvania Rebellion (10-28) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 0-3 Emma Johnson (3-2) Lauren Haeger (5-6) Haylie Wagner (S2) 952
7/28/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (29-12) L Chicago Bandits (25-12) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 5-2 Cat Osterman (12-2) Michelle Gascoigne (4-4) - 1375
7/29/2015 W Akron Racers (18-19) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (10-29) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 4-2 Sarah Pauly (9-3) Emily Weiman (1-7) - 1001
7/29/2015 L Chicago Bandits (25-12) W USSSA Florida Pride (30-12) Louisville Slugger Sports Complex - Peoria, IL 3-6 Chelsea Thomas (7-3) Lacey Waldrop (2-4) - 807
7/30/2015 W Chicago Bandits (26-12) L USSSA Florida Pride (30-13) Louisville Slugger Sports Complex - Peoria, IL 4-0 Monica Abbott (11-1) Keilani Ricketts (7-4) - 1211
7/31/2015 L Dallas Charge (14-25) W Akron Racers (19-19) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 1-10 Lisa Norris (6-6) Lauren Haeger (5-7) - 887
7/31/2015 W Pennsylvania Rebellion (11-29) L Chicago Bandits (26-13) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 4-2 Haylie Wagner (3-3) Kirsten Verdun (3-1) - 1625
August
Date Visiting Team Home Team Venue Score Win Loss Save Attendance
8/1/2015 W Dallas Charge (15-25) L Akron Racers (19-20) Berliner Park, Columbus, OH 1-0 Morgan Melloh (2-6) Sarah Pauly (9-4) - 1659
8/1/2015 W Pennsylvania Rebellion (12-29) L Chicago Bandits (26-15) Berliner Park, Columbus OH 5-3 Miranda Kramer (1-3) Michelle Gascoigne (4-5) Emily Weiman (S3) 1687
8/2/2015 Pennsylvania Rebellion Chicago Bandits The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL Postponed (inclement weather)(Makeup date:8/3/2015)
8/3/2015 L Pennsylvania Rebellion (12-30) W Chicago Bandits (27-15) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 0-3 Monica Abbott (12-1)
No-hitter
Haylie Wagner (3-4) - 989
8/3/2015 L Dallas Charge (15-26) W USSSA Florida Pride (31-13) Constellation Field - Sugarland, TX 2-6 Cat Osterman (13-2) Jolene Henderson (3-8) - 2122
8/3/2015 L Akron Racers (19-21) W Chicago Bandits (28-15) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 3-4 Lacey Waldrop (3-4) Hannah Campbell (0-3) - 457
8/4/2015 W Dallas Charge (16-26) L USSSA Florida Pride (31-14) Constellation Field - Sugarland, TX 3-0 Morgan Melloh (3-6) Keilani Ricketts (7-5) - 2193
8/4/2015 W Akron Racers (20-21) L Chicago Bandits (28-16) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 4-2 Rachele Fico (3-3) Sara Moulton (3-2) Sarah Pauly (S2) 839
8/5/2015 L Akron Racers (20-22) W Chicago Bandits (29-16) The Ballpark at Rosemont - Rosemont, IL 2-8 Michelle Gascoigne (5-5) Sarah Pauly (9-5) - 1265
8/6/2015 L Dallas Charge (16-27) W USSSA Florida Pride (32-14) St. Mary's University 0-4 Chelsea Thomas (8-3) Jolene Henderson (3-9) -
L Dallas Charge (16-28) W USSSA Florida Pride (33-14) St. Mary's University 4-5 Jordan Taylor (2-1) Morgan Melloh (3-7) - 1050
8/7/2015
Doubleheader/ makeup game
L Akron Racers (20-23) W Pennsylvania Rebellion (13-30) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 1-9 Dagmar Bloeming (1-2) Hannah Campbell (0-4) -
L Akron Racers (20-24) W Pennsylvania Rebellion (14-30) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 3-4 Emma Johnson (4-2) Rachele Fico (3-4) Haylie Wagner (S3) 842
8/7/2015 W USSSA Florida Pride (33-14) L Dallas Charge (16-29) St. Mary's University 7-3 Cat Osterman (14-2) Morgan Melloh (3-8) Andi Williamson (S1) 1400
8/8/2015 W Akron Racers (21-24) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (14-31) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 6-0 Sarah Pauly (10-5) Miranda Kramer (1-4) - 996
8/9/2015 W Akron Racers (22-24) L Pennsylvania Rebellion (14-32) Consol Energy Park - Washington, PA 2-0 Lisa Norris (7-6) Dallas Escobedo (2-9) - 783
8/9/2015 W Chicago Bandits (30-16) L Dallas Charge (16-30) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 3-0 Monica Abbott (13-1) Jolene Henderson (3-10) - 488
8/10/2015 L Chicago Bandits (30-17) W Dallas Charge (17-30) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 0-3 Lauren Haeger (6-7) Lacey Waldrop (3-5) - 458
8/10/2015 W Pennsylvania Rebellion (15-32) L Akron Racers (22-25) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 9-5 Emily Weiman (2-7) Rachele Fico (3-5) - 1152
8/11/2015 W Chicago Bandits (31-17) L Dallas Charge (17-31) The Ballfields at Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX 4-3 Michelle Gascoigne (6-5) Vanessa Stokes (5-3) Monica Abbott (S1) 436
8/11/2015 W Pennsylvania Rebellion (16-32) L Akron Racers (22-26) Firestone Stadium - Akron, OH 13-8 (6 innings, rain shortened) Miranda Kramer (2-4) Hannah Campbell (0-5) - 1813

Game notes

[edit]
  1. ^ June 9 game was originally ruled an 11-inning 7-3 win for the Bandits. The Rebellion lodged a protest because the international tie breaker rule ( which states innings begin with a runner on second base) was not used in the 10th or 11th innings. Upon review, NPF upheld the protest and declared the game 'halted' at the point the tiebreaker rule should have been used. The game is to resume at the start of the 10th inning on July 5.[19]

NPF Championship

[edit]
Logo for the 2015 NPF Championship Series

The 2015 NPF Championship was scheduled to be played at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, AL beginning August 15. This is the second time Hoover has hosted the championship.[20] The top four teams from the regular season qualify for the championship playoffs. The highest-seeded semifinal winner then hosted the championship final.

NPF Semifinals NPF Championship
      
1 USSSA Florida Pride 2
4 Dallas Charge 0
1 USSSA Florida Pride 0
2 Chicago Bandits 2
2 Chicago Bandits 2
3 Akron Racers 0
2015 NPF Semifinals
USSSA Pride defeat Dallas Charge, 2-0
Game Date Score Series
(USSSA–DAL)
1 Aug 14 USSSA Pride 8, Dallas Charge 0[21] 1-0
2 Aug 15 USSSA Pride 8, Dallas Charge 7[22] 2-0
2015 NPF Semifinals
Chicago Bandits defeat Akron Racers, 2-0
Game Date Score Series
(CHI-AKR)
1 Aug 14 Chicago Bandits 3, Akron Racers 1[21] 1-0
2 Aug 15 Chicago Bandits 5, Akron Racers 2[23] 2-0
2015 NPF Championship Series
Chicago Bandits defeat USSSA Pride, 2-0
Game Date Score Series
(CHI–USSSA)
1 Aug 16 Chicago Bandits 1, USSSA Pride 0[24] 1-0
2 Aug 17 Chicago Bandits 1, USSSA Pride 0[25] 2-0

Championship Game

[edit]
Team Top Batter Stats.
Chicago Bandits Emily Allard 2-2
USSSA Pride Natasha Watley 1-2 BB
Team Pitcher IP H R ER BB SO
Chicago Bandits Monica Abbott (W) 7.0 2 0 0 1 8
USSSA Pride Cat Osterman (L) 6.0 4 1 0 1 6
2015 NPF Championship Series MVP
Player Club Stats.
Monica Abbott Chicago Bandits 3-0 26Ks 0.32 ERA 2SH 0.54 WHIP (7Hs+5BBs/22.0 IP)[26]

Statistical leaders

[edit]

Source [usurped]

Batting avg

Player (Team) Total
Natasha Watley (USSSA Pride) .390
Brittany Cervantes (Chicago Bandits) .358
Jill Barrett (Akron Racers) .339
Kelly Kretschman (USSSA Pride) .338
Amber Patton (Chicago Bandits) .338

Slugging pct

Player (Team) Total
Brittany Cervantes (Chicago Bandits) .670
Nerissa Myers (Akron Racers) .556
Taylor Schlopy(Akron Racers) .530
Kelly Kretschman (USSSA Pride) .521
Shelby Pendley(USSSA Pride) .519

On base pct

Player (Team) Total
Brittany Cervantes (Chicago Bandits) .507
Nerissa Myers (Akron Racers) .443
Natasha Watley (USSSA Pride) .438
Taylor Schlopy(Akron Racers) .416
Kristyn Sandberg (Pennsylvania Rebellion) .402

Runs scored

Player (Team) Total
Taylor Schlopy(Akron Racers) 34
Brittany Cervantes (Chicago Bandits) 26
Jill Barrett (Akron Racers) 26
Kelly Kretschman (USSSA Pride) 24
2 tied at 23

Hits

Player (Team) Total
Jill Barrett (Akron Racers) 56
Emily Allard (Chicago Bandits) 51
Kelly Kretschman (USSSA Pride) 48
Amber Patton (Chicago Bandits) 48
Natasha Watley (USSSA Pride) 46

Runs batted in

Player (Team) Total
Nerissa Myers (Akron Racers) 31
Megan Wiggins (USSSA Pride) 29
Taylor Edwards (Chicago Bandits) 29
Andrea Duran (USSSA Pride) 26
Taylor Schlopy(Akron Racers) 26

Home runs

Player (Team) Total
Taylor Schlopy(Akron Racers) 10
Nerissa Myers (Akron Racers) 9
Taylor Edwards (Chicago Bandits) 9
Brittany Cervantes (Chicago Bandits) 9
2 tied at 7

Stolen bases

Player (Team) Total
Emily Allard (Chicago Bandits) 12
Kelly Kretschman (USSSA Pride) 10
Danielle Zymkowitz (Chicago Bandits) 8
Kahley Novak (Dallas Charge) 7
AJ Andrews (Chicago Bandits) 7

Earned run avg

Player (Team) Total
Monica Abbott (Chicago Bandits) 0.31
Jordan Taylor (USSSA Pride) 0.51
Cat Osterman (USSSA Pride) 1.35
Kirsten Verdun (Chicago Bandits) 1.52
Chelsea Thomas (USSSA Pride) 1.73

Batters struck out

Player (Team) Total
Cat Osterman (USSSA Pride) 164
Monica Abbott (Chicago Bandits) 149
Lauren Haeger (Dallas Charge) 86
Keilani Ricketts (USSSA Pride) 83
Sarah Pauly (Akron Racers) 68

Wins

Player (Team) Total
Cat Osterman (USSSA Pride) 14
Monica Abbott (Chicago Bandits) 13
Sarah Pauly (Akron Racers) 10
Chelsea Thomas (USSSA Pride) 8
2 tied at 7

Saves

Player (Team) Total
Jordan Taylor (USSSA Pride) 11
Emily Weiman (Pennsylvania Rebellion) 3
Haylie Wagner (Pennsylvania Rebellion) 3
Sarah Pauly (Akron Racers) 2
10 tied at 1

Losses

Player (Team) Total
Jolene Henderson (Dallas Charge) 10
Dallas Escobedo (Pennsylvania Rebellion) 9
Morgan Melloh (Dallas Charge) 8
Emily Weiman (Pennsylvania Rebellion) 7
Lauren Haeger (Dallas Charge) 7

Annual awards

[edit]

The 2015 NPF Awards Banquet was held at the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Alabama on August 13. The annual awards were presented, and the 2015 All-NPF Team was announced.[27]

Award Player Team Stat
Player of the Year Award Kelly Kretschman USSSA Florida Pride hit .338 with 7 HR, and 22 RBIs, made only one error, 10 for 10 in stolen bases
Pitcher of the Year Monica Abbott Chicago Bandits 13-1, 1 SV, 12 complete games and 11 shutouts, 1 no-hitter, 1 perfect game, 146 Ks in 90.1 IP
Rookie of the Year Shelby Pendley USSSA Florida Pride led all rookies in SLG, hits, HR, OBP, RBIs, total bases, and runs; ranked second among rookies in batting average and doubles.
Offensive Player of the Year Brittany Cervantes Chicago Bandits hit .358 and led the league in SLG and OBP.
Defensive Player of the Year Courtney Senas Pennsylvania Rebellion .964 fielding percentage with 49 put outs and four assists, the most by an outfielder
Home Run Award Taylor Schlopy Akron Racers 10 HR
Rally Spikes Award[note 1] Emily Allard Chicago Bandits 12 SB
NPF Trophy[note 2] USSSA Florida Pride
Coaching Staff of the Year Dallas Charge Head Coach Jennifer McFalls and Assistant Coaches Chez Sievers and Michelle Gromacki
Jennie Finch Award [note 3] Cat Osterman USSSA Florida Pride

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The Rally Spikes Award is given to the player with the most stolen bases
  2. ^ The NPF Trophy is awarded to the team with the best regular season record.
  3. ^ The Jennie Finch award is given to the player who best exemplifies the character and qualities of its famous namesake, and who is considered to positively impact the game both on and off the field.

All-NPF Team

[edit]
2015 All-NPF Team[28]
Position Name Team
Pitcher Monica Abbott Chicago Bandits
Pitcher Cat Osterman USSSA Florida Pride
Pitcher Jordan Taylor USSSA Florida Pride
Pitcher Sarah Pauly Akron Racers
Catcher Taylor Edwards Chicago Bandits
1st Base Kaitlyn Richardson Dallas Charge
2nd Base Shelby Pendley USSSA Florida Pride
3rd Base Andrea Duran USSSA Florida Pride
Shortstop Jill Barrett Akron Racers
Outfield Kelly Kretschman USSSA Florida Pride
Outfield Taylor Schlopy Akron Racers
Outfield Natasha Watley USSSA Florida Pride
At-Large Brittany Cervantes Chicago Bandits
At-Large Kelley Montalvo Akron Racers
At-Large Amber Patton Chicago Bandits
At-Large Kristyn Sandberg Pennsylvania Rebellion
At-Large Megan Wiggins USSSA Florida Pride
At-Large Tammy Williams Chicago Bandits

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kayla Lombardo (22 Feb 2015). "NPF 'Charges' toward expansion, establishes team in Dallas". www.aol.com. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  2. ^ "NPF and CBS Sports Network Sign Agreement for 2015 Season". National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  3. ^ Jami Lobpries (13 July 2015). "USSSA Pride Games to be Aired on Longhorn Network". USSSAPride.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  4. ^ Joe Tuscano (10 July 2015). "Osterman no-hits Rebellion for second time in as many years". Observer-Reporter. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  5. ^ NPF (24 July 2015). "Bandits Rout Charge Behind Abbott's Perfect Game". SportsPageMagazine.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Bandits Get Another No-Hitter From Monica Abbott". Journal & Topics Newspapers Online. 4 August 2015. Archived from the original on 11 February 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  7. ^ Joe Tuscano (8 August 2015). "Pauly wins 100th, dents Rebellion's playoff hopes". Observer-Reporter.com. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  8. ^ "League Meeting Yields Changes for 2015 NPF Season". ProFastpitch.com. 29 January 2015. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "2015 NPF Schedule". www.profastpitch.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 5 April 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ^ Tbonesbaseball.com (24 March 2015). "CommunityAmerica Ballpark to host pro fastpitch softball games". Kansas City Kansan. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  11. ^ a b c d "2015 Schedule". USSAPride.com. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  12. ^ "GoPLAYGirls Excited to Welcome the USSSA Pride and Dallas Charge to San Antonio". goplaygirl.com. 19 March 2015. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  13. ^ "Top Level Pro Softball Coming to York & Lancaster". yorkrevolution.com/. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  14. ^ "NPF to play four games at Sparkler/Fireworks tournament". Triple Crown Sports. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  15. ^ "North American All Sanctioned World Series July 17-19, 2015". FastpitchShowdowns.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  16. ^ "2015 NPF College Draft Presented by Bownet" (PDF). ProFastpitch.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-13. Retrieved 2015-04-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  17. ^ "Rules of the Draft" (PDF). ProFastpitch.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-13. Retrieved 2015-04-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. ^ Jacquie Boatman (15 April 2015). "Former Olympian, two-time Pitcher of the Year returns to circle for Bandits 2015 season". ChicagoBandits.com. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  19. ^ Joe Tuscano (11 June 2015). "League upholds Rebellion protest". Observer-Reporter.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  20. ^ "Field Set for 2015 National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series". ProFastpitch.com. 10 August 2015. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  21. ^ a b "Homeruns Take Center Stage in Opening Day of Championship Series". OurSportsCentral.com. 14 August 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  22. ^ "Pride Hold on to Sweep Series". OurSportsCentral.com. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  23. ^ "Bandits Advance to Championship with 5 to 2 Win". OurSportsCentral.com. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  24. ^ "Bandits Steal Game One 1-0". OurSportsCentral.com. 16 August 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  25. ^ "Chicago Bandits bring home NPF championship". Chicago Daily Herald. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  26. ^ "Monica Abbott Game Log 2015 Playoffs". Stats.805stats.com. Archived from the original on 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  27. ^ "NPF Kicks Off Championship Series With Annual Awards Banquet". ProFastpitch.com. 13 August 2015. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  28. ^ "NPF Kicks Off Championship Series With Annual Awards Banquet". NFCA.org. 14 August 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
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