Bandits select 5 players in NPF draft

The Chicago Bandits, drafting fourth overall in the NFP draft, selected University of Michigan first baseman Dorian Shaw.

With the recent departure of first baseman Samantha Findlay to the USSSA Pride, Shaw will be expected to start at first base this season.

“Shaw has continued to be a standout player each season in the Big Ten,” said Bandits general manager Aaron Moore. “Her offensive power is one of the best in the country and will definitely help fill the void when Stacy May retired and Findlay moved on.”

With picks eight and 12 in rounds two and three, the Bandits chose University of Georgia outfielder Megan Wiggins and third baseman Alisa Goler,

Both Goler and Wiggins are known for their hitting and power. Wiggins finished the 2010 season with a .409 batting average, 16 home runs, 58 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. Goler batted .377 with 16 home runs and 57 RBIs in 2010. The Bandits used their next pick (No. 16 overall) on Kristin Shifflet of Radford University. Shifflet plays for former Bandits coach Mickey Dean and was recently named to the 2011 USA Softball Player of the Year watch list.

With the final pick in the 2011 NPF rookie draft, the Bandits went local, selecting Illinois State University second baseman Kara Nelson.

“Nelson is a dual threat in the field and at the plate,” said Moore. “She has consistently proven that she knows how to hit and her defensive speed and coverage makes her a great defender up the middle.”

2011 National Pro Fastpitch draft:

Round One

1. NPF Diamonds - Kelsi Dunne, P, University of Alabama

2. Akron Racers - Taylor Schlopy, OF, University of Georgia

3. USSSA Pride - Jenn Salling, 2B, University of Washington

4. Chicago Bandits - Dorian Shaw, 1B, University of Michigan

Round Two

1. Pride - Kelsey Bruder, OF, University of Florida

2. Racers - Megan Bush, UT, University of Florida

3. Diamonds - Morgan Melloh, P, Indiana University

4. Bandits - Megan Wiggins, OF, University of Georgia

Round Three

1. Diamonds - Megan Yocke, C/IF, University of Kentucky

2. Racers - Toni Paisley, P/UT, East Carolina University

3. Pride - Jordan Taylor, P, University of Michigan

4. Bandits - Alisa Goler, 3B, University of Georgia

Round Four

1. Diamonds - Whitney Larson, SS/UT, University of Alabama

2. Racers - Morgan Childress, P, South Carolina Upstate

3. Diamonds - Brittany Hile, C, Kansas University

4. Bandits - Kristin Shifflet, 2B/SS, Radford University

Round Five (Final Round)

1. Diamonds - Aja Paculba, 2B, University of Florida

2. Racers - Kelly Grieve, OF, University of Tennessee

3. Diamonds - Rhiannon Kliesing, P/1B, Texas A&M University

4. Bandits - Kara Nelson, 2B, Illinois State University

*All drafted players are not eligible to sign contracts or commit to professional teams until the completion of their college season per NCAA rules and regulations.