Speedy NU outfielder signs with Bandits

Former Northwestern outfielder Emily Allard has agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Bandits, team officials announced Thursday.

Allard, the team's 15th selection in the NPF draft, is the second draft pick to sign with the Bandits this season.

A second-team All-Big Ten performer, the 22-year-old Allard was also named to the All-Big Ten Defensive team as an outfielder after spending most of her collegiate career as a shortstop.

“We've had an interest in Emily for many years and we're really looking forward to seeing what she can do on the field,” Bandits general manager Aaron M. Moore said in a statement released by the club.

“Emily brings a very unique skill set that should definitely benefit from playing 24 games on the turf in Rosemont. She's an extremely athletic and speedy player that will be asked to set the table for our lineup.”

Allard's best collegiate season came in 2011 when she hit .491 (78-for-158) and stole 45 bases in 46 attempts. In the same season, she was also named the NFCA Golden Shoes award winner as the nation's best base stealer. She owns a career batting average of .402 and stole 154 bases in 169 chances.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to play with and against the best and I'm looking forward to doing whatever I can to help this team continue its success,” Allard said.

The Bandits will host an exhibition game Sunday at The Ballpark at Rosemont in preparation for the team's home opener on May 31. For more tickets and more information about the Bandits, visit www.chicagobandits.com or call (877) 722-6348.