CHARLESTON - Fastpitch softball fans in West Virginia have a chance to see the best in National Pro Fastpitch on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Appalachian Power Park when a team of NPF All-Stars plays the Marshall University softball team in a seven-inning game.
The event is part of the NPF's Back to School Tour and includes a pre-game Fan Fest and a seven-inning game. The Tour is sponsored in part by USSSA, with the support of Major League Baseball. The 2012 Tour marks the third consecutive year the NPF has placed a team made up of all-stars from all four NPF teams, on the road to compete in exhibition games against colleges across the U.S.
"We are excited to host the NPF and Marshall in what will hopefully become an annual event," said Andy Milovich, executive vice president of the West Virginia Power. "Our goal has always been to offer affordable family entertainment and we are proud to add professional fastpitch softball to that list."
While the roster of players traveling to Charleston has yet to be released, previous teams have included former Olympic gold medal winners Cat Osterman, Andrea Duran and Caitlin Lowe, plus national title winners Taryne Mowatt of Arizona and Jenn Salling of Washington.
The Herd softball team is coming off a successful 2012 season in which it compiled a record of 36-21 overall and 15-9 in Conference USA, finishing third in the regular season. Marshall was the runner-up in the C-USA tournament, falling 3-2 to Tulsa in the championship game.
Currently, two former Marshall players are competing in the NPF regular season. Rachel Folden, a four time All-American for the Herd (2005-08) plays for the Carolina Diamonds. Folden is presently second in the league in home runs (8) and tied for fourth in RBI (23). Marshall's current assistant coach Amanda Williams is her seventh year in the NPF. Playing currently for the Chicago Bandits, Williams, an outfielder, has 21 hits in 31 games.
Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with the Fan Fest running from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The Fan Fest will include inflatable games, a silent auction, and a photo/autograph session with the NPF All-Stars from 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. The seven-inning game will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Advance ticket prices for the event are $7 for box seats or $5 for general admission.
Ticket prices the day of the event are $9 for box seats or $7 for general admission. Tickets are available over the phone at 304-344-2287 or in person at the Power Box Office, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
For more information about the event at Appalachian Power Park, contact the Power at 304-344-2287.
For more information about the NPF tour, contact the NPF League Office email at info@profastpitch.com or call 615-232-2900.
