NPF down to five teams; Canney joins Bandits

The Chicago Bandits are losing another member of the National Pro Fastpitch league but gaining a player in return.

The New England Riptide announced today that the team will not participate in the 2009 summer season, but team officials hope to return to play in 2010.

That decision leaves the NPF with only five teams just four months before its season begins. It's possible the league could fill its schedule with international travel teams, as it did in its first season of play, but no announcement has been made.

Riptide management cited economic factors in the decision to sit the year out, and the organization needs to work toward developing a larger fan base and reorganizing its structure. New England, which played in Lowell, Mass., for five years, won the national Cowles Cup championship in 2006. The Bandits captured the 2008 title.

As a result of New England's departure, former Northwestern star pitcher Eileen Canney has joined the Bandits, which acquired her from the Riptide.

A dominant performer at Northwestern for four years, the right-handed Canney earned many honors, including two-time Big 10 Pitcher of the Year and three-time All Big 10 selection. Canney also led the Wildcats to consecutive World Series appearances.

As a first-round draft pick for New England in 2007, Canney had a stellar rookie season and lead the league in both strikeouts and ERA. Last season she captured All-NPF honors with a 2.29 ERA to go with 13 wins, 10 losses, 150 strikeouts and 18 complete games.

"Even though we are saddened by the interruption of New England's play, we feel very fortunate to be able to obtain a pitcher of Eileen's caliber to an already potent pitching staff," said Bandits president Bill Sokolis.

The Bandits open their 2009 season in June and all home games are played at the Judson University sports complex in Elgin.