May 29, 2008

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. - After being teammates for two seasons, Marshall's former center fielder Amanda Williams and shortstop Jessica Williams will be competing against the Herd's all-time home run leader Rachel Folden in the National Pro Fastpitch season opener, Thursday, May 29 at 6:45 p.m. at the SportsCore complex.

The Williams twins are embarking on their third season in the league with the Rockford Thunder. After being drafted by the Chicago Bandits in 2006, the Williams were traded to the Thunder before the 2007 season. Last year, the Williams sisters guided Rockford to 23 wins and combined for six RBIs, two triples and 29 hits.

Folden, selected seventh overall in the NPF senior draft, recently finished her collegiate career at Marshall. The 2008 Conference USA Player of the Year and four-time Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American is expected to be the Bandit's primary catcher in the 2008 season.

Following the four-game series against the Thunder, Folden and the Bandits will meet another familiar foe in its home opener, the Akron Racers who is managed by Shonda Stanton, the Herd's head coach. The four-game series begins, Friday, June 6 at 7:05 p.m. in Chicago, Ill.

For more information or tickets, log on to www.profastpitch.com.