With the third overall pick in the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) draft, the Akron Racers chose shortstop Lexy Bennett from the University of Texas.
“Bennett’s versatility in the infield makes her very valuable,” said Akron Racers’ President/GM Joey Arrietta. “From first base to second to shortstop she has performed flawlessly in every position. She is fluid, she’s graceful, she is the real deal! And she brings a big bat.”
The Akron Racers' second pick (seventh overall) came when Arrietta selected pitcher Hllary Bach from Arizona State University.
“Bach is a great pitcher and has a National Championship under her belt,” said Arrietta. “She is a finesse pitcher and I think that’s the name of the game in professional softball.
“You’ve got to be smart, use the tools you have and can’t necessarily overpower the hitters. You have to work to your strengths and she has those abilities playing for a big-time program. That mental toughness will do her well as a professional.”
The Racers' third pick and eleventh overall came from University of Michigan with Amanda Chidester. “She too is a versatile player. Rarely do you come across a player who can play both corners, sit behind the plate and drive in runs like her.”
The Racers drafted six players overall with two in a row in the fourth round, Alicia Herron from Ohio State being the fourth pick, and the fifth pick coming for Fordham University in pitcher Jen Mineau.
“We’ve had an eye on Herron for a while now as she’s playing down the road in Columbus,” said Arrietta. “She moves well up the middle and has a powerful swing at the plate. She has a future in the NPF and could fill a hole for us at shortstop as a rookie.”
“Mineau has that ability to take some pressure off our hitters, allowing them to take the lead instead of playing catch up,” said Arrietta. “She chips away at the corners, which tends to catch batters leaning away or pulling back. In any case, she reminds me a little bit of Lisa Norris - mentally tough all the time.”
The Racers' final pick in the draft came with Cal-Berkley outfielder Jamia Reid. “Reid brings speed and an ability to get on base to the plate for the Golden Bears,” said Arrietta. “She would make a great addition to our lineup as a table-setter or late order spark plug. Her experience in international competition with the Japan Cup victory in 2010 shows she can handle the pressure of playing against and with the best players in the world.”
All in all the Racers selected six picks through the five rounds, filling the final six roster spots for the 2012 season. Drafter players are not eligible to officially join or sign a contract with their respective professional teams until after the conclusion of their NCAA senior season.
The Akron Racers open the 2012 season June 7 with a regular season opener against the newly formed Carolina Diamonds. Season tickets for the 2012 season are on sale now and can be ordered by calling (330) 376-8188.
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