advertisement

Bandits extend contract with Breanna Moss

The Chicago Bandits have agreed to a three-year extension with outfielder Brenna Moss, team officials announced on Wednesday afternoon.

"I am very excited to continue my softball career with the Bandits," Moss said. "The culture we have established here is exactly the environment I want to be in and allows me to grow not only as a player but as a person. I can't thank the Bandits organization enough for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to continue living out my dream."

Moss, a member of the Bandits' championship teams in 2015 and 2016, excelled in her third year at the professional level. The former Fresno State standout ranked second on the team with a .341 clip at the plate and topped the charts in stolen bases (10).

"We're thrilled to bring Brenna back to our outfield core for three more years," general manager Toni Calmeyn said. "She's proven her effectiveness at the plate and in the field and we're excited to see her continue to grow in this league."

After helping guide the Bandits to their 10th consecutive trip to the NPF Championship Series, Moss continued her torrid pace into the postseason. The lefty slapper recorded a game-tying triple in the sixth inning of game two against the league-leading USSSA Pride, marking one of just three extra-base hits for the Bandits during the playoff run.

Throughout the 2017 season, Moss represented a potent threat at the top of the lineup. A two-hit performance in a 3-2 win over the Akron Racers on opening night set the stage for an impressive campaign ahead in which she delivered 11 multi-hit efforts.

Originally from Bakersfield, California, the Bandits selected Moss with the 13th overall pick in the third round of the 2015 NPF Draft. She became the Bulldogs' player drafted to the professional ranks since 2005 and immediately burst onto the scene in Rosemont. The three-time All-Mountain West Conference performer ended her rookie campaign with a spotless (1.000) fielding percentage and started 40 games to lead all first-year players.

Moss became the second player in team history from Fresno State to suit up for the Bandits, joining Michelle Moses (2012).

Chicago Bandits southpaw Danielle O'Toole has been named an assistant coach at the University of San Diego, team officials announced on Wednesday.

O'Toole, who appeared in four games for the Bandits during her rookie season, returns to the San Diego area after spending a pair of seasons at San Diego State before a transfer to Arizona prior to her junior year.

"I'm happy and excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this program," O'Toole said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the athletes and bringing out not only the best players but the best people. It's going to be a fun year and I'm excited to learn and exchange knowledge with the other coaches."

A native of Upland, California, the Bandits selected O'Toole with the eighth overall selection in the second round of the 2017 NPF Draft. Commitments to USA Softball dealt the Arizona standout a heavy schedule, but the lefty hurler managed to impress in her professional debut when she delivered five shutout innings and earned the win against the Scrap Yard Dawgs on July 16, 2017.

O'Toole pitched effectively in the postseason, tossing four innings of one-run ball while striking out a pair in game one of the NPF Championship Series against the top-seeded USSSA Pride.

"Danielle showed her ability to manage a loaded schedule and we thank her for her contributions to the team in 2017," Bandits general manager Toni Calmeyn said. "She's a tremendous talent in the circle and will undoubtedly be a wonderful addition to the coaching staff at San Diego."

In her time with Team USA, O'Toole helped guide the Americans to a gold medal at the Pan American Championship, as well as a silver medal placing at the World Cup of Softball. Facing stiff competition against the No. 1 team in the world rankings, Japan, the southpaw posted a one-hit shutout with three strikeouts to propel Team USA to a 5-0 win.

San Diego enters the 2017-18 season after a 22-24 campaign last year. The Toreros earned a selection to the National Invitational Softball Championships, falling in a pair of games to Utah State and Boise State.

O'Toole will be tasked with guiding San Diego's pitching staff, which amassed a 4.56 ERA in 2016-17.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.