Draft goes as Bandits had hoped

The Chicago Bandits added three players to their roster Monday via the annual National Pro Fastpitch draft.

With their first selection and seventh pick overall, the Bandits chose catcher/utility player Rachel Folden of Marshall University, a three-time All-American.

"Rachel is someone I've been keeping an eye on for three years since she played at Marshall with former Bandits Amanda and Jessica Williams," said Bandits owner and general manager Bill Conroy. "Folden is a workhorse behind the plate, and offensively she can do it all."

With the second selection and ninth pick overall, the Bandits acquired catcher/infielder Emily Nichols from the University of Iowa.

"I've known Emily for a number of years back when I began scouting Stacy May," Conroy said. "She is a three-position player (catcher, third base, first base) and has a consistent stick, hitting for both power and average."

With the final selection and 10th overall pick, the Bandits selected shortstop/second baseman Aileen Morales from Georgia Tech.

"Among her abilities, she is a proven base-stealer and is a solid middle infielder. Her overall athleticism can help us do a number of things this season," Conroy said.

Conroy summed the draft up by saying, "These are the three players I targeted and hoped to land. Fortunately, everything fell our way and I was able to get the three players that fit our needs the best."

The Bandits will play the 2008 season at Judson University in Elgin, with the home opener set for Friday, June 4.