The National Pro Fastpitch released all 150 games scheduled in 2016

The NPF 2016 schedule begins May 31st and concludes on August 14th. The 2016 Opening Day match-up will feature the PA Rebellion hosting the Akron Racers on May 31st. Scrap Yard Dawgs will open June 2nd on the road versus the 2015 Cowles Cup Champions, Chicago Bandits. One day later on June 3rd, PA will play host to opening the second season for the Dallas Charge.  Finally, the 2015 regular season champs, USSSA Pride will open their 2016 schedule June 10th, visiting the Scrap Yard Dawgs.
 
The NPF 2016 regular season schedule spans 76 days that will include competition on all but 2 of those days. The top four finishing teams will advance to the Championship Series August 19-23 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
 
Although each team has a dedicated home venue, it is common for teams to also travel with home dates. In 2015, 20 separate venues in 9 different states enjoyed NPF regular season competition. That diversity is expected to repeat in 2016 with individual teams announcing details of their home schedules in the coming weeks. 
2016 NPF Full Schedule

Allard & Marshall sign with Bandits

Photo: Jade Hewitt

The Chicago Bandits have agreed to terms on one-year contracts with outfielder Emily Allard and infielder Sammy Marshall for the 2016 season per team GM Aaron M. Moore. Embarking on her third season with the team, Allard continued the success she found as a rookie into her sophomore year. A member of the 2014 All-NPF Team, her league leading 12 stolen bases earned her the Rally Spikes Award at the 2015 NPF Awards Banquet. In addition to her speed, Allard led the Bandits with 51 hits, while finishing third on the team in batting average (.323) and fourth overall in on-base percentage (.331), runs scored (17) and RBIs (15).  

On the field, she’s hit over .300 in her first two seasons of professional ball, so she’s incredibly valuable.  She doesn’t need to hit the ball far to be successful and when she gets on base, she proved last season that she’s a threat to take the next base. We’re excited to see what she does in 2016, especially with the addition of Jill (Barrett) to our lineup.

Marshall, who was drafted 18th overall out of Western Illinois University in the 2015 NPF College Draft, brought additional speed to the Bandits lineup. The two-time Summit League Player of the Year finished her rookie season with 11 runs scored and stole six bases, which was good for fourth overall on the team.

“Sammy came in last season and took on a special role on our way to the Cowles Cup,” said Moore.  “She was often asked to come in and change the tone by stealing a base or scoring on a close play at the plate.

“She is one of the fastest, if not the fastest player in the league, and she has an ability to make a huge difference for us.  She’s going to get her opportunities this season to earn a spot in the lineup, and if she does, we truly believe she will take advantage of them.  Sammy is a local player that is now working with the Bandits and coaching high school ball in the area; it’s definitely exciting to have her back for 2016.”