Bandits re-sign NPF ace Monica Abbott

The Chicago Bandits have re-signed their playoff MVP, left-handed pitcher Monica Abbott, for the 2012 season.

“We knew signing Monica again for the 2012 season was a huge priority and we’re happy that we’ve made that happen,” general manager Aaron M. Moore said in a release announcing the deal. “She was the leader of the pitching staff last season and she took her game to a different level during the postseason.”

Last season, Abbott’s dominance included a perfect game against the Akron Racers on Aug. 4. At the 2011 NPF Championship Series in Sulphur, La., she pitched all but four innings of the four tournament games to help the Bandits win their second NPF Championship. She was named National Pro Fastpitch Playoff MVP for her efforts, which included 30 strikeouts and a 2.17 ERA in 29.0 innings pitched.

Drafted in 2007 out of the University of Tennessee, Abbott spent her first season in the National Pro Fastpitch with the Washington Glory. In her first professional appearance, she struck out 18 batters and pitched a complete game. The Glory went on to win the 2007 Cowles Cup Championship with Abbott being named the NPF Playoff MVP.

In 2008, she spent time with the U.S. National Team, winning a silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Coming back to the NPF, Abbott spent the next two seasons with the USSSA Pride and the Tennessee Diamonds, before signing with the Bandits as a free agent in February 2011.

The Bandits open the 2012 season on June 2, with Opening Day at The Ballpark at Rosemont on June 7 when the Bandits host the USSSA Pride.