Bandits add GSU coach to their fastpitch staff

The Chicago Bandits, set to host their home opener Sunday in Elgin, have added Georgia Southern University softball coach Maggie Johnson to their coaching staff to handle third base duties.

Johnson will join Bandits head coach Mickey Dean and assistant coach Mike Steuerwald as an assistant coach.

"Working with a program and with athletes that play the game of softball at the highest level is an amazing honor, and I look forward to contributing to the success of the Bandits this season," Johnson said.

Johnson became the fourth head coach in Georgia Southern fast-pitch history in 2008.

"I look forward to working with her again," said Bandits head coach Mickey Dean. "She was my assistant at Radford and I feel she'll be a great addition to our staff because she's been a student of the game and knows the game very well."

Battle of Sexes II: The Rockford RiverHawks of the Northern League baseball and the Chicago Bandits of National Pro Fastpitch will play another "Battle of the Sexes" - an exhibition fastpitch softball - game at 7 p.m. Thursday at Road Ranger Stadium in Rockford.

Tickets for the game start at $5. Last year the Bandits and the Schaumburg Flyers drew a record crowd of 8,918 to Schaumburg's Alexian Field for a similar match, won by the Bandits, 4-2.

Akron next: After opening the season with a 2-2-1 record playing the USSSA Pride in Texas, the Bandits will host Akron Racers for a three-game series beginning at 5:05 p.m. Sunday at the Judson University softball complex. Monday's game is at 7:05 p.m., with a Tuesday game at 1:05 p.m..

For tickets, visit chicagobandits.com or call 877-7BANDIT.