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Flyers to take on women’s softball team in exhibition

The Schaumburg Flyers will host the Chicago Bandits in an exhibition game played under National Pro Fastpitch League rules.The Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) will make history on July 27 when the squad hosts a challenge game against the women of the Chicago Bandits, the 2008 National Pro Fastpitch League Champions.

The 7:05 p.m. game will be played by NPF softball rules, which includes underhand windmill pitching. Bandits pitchers typically throw around 60-75 mph; the Flyers press crew says this is the equivalent of 95-100 mph in baseball.

“My friend Bill Sokolis (Bandits owner) has been bragging for years that his women could outplay our men at their game,” said Flyers Managing Partner/President Rich Ehrenreich. “So, I finally asked him, ‘Are you saying what I think you’re saying?’ We looked at each other, and then we both got serious.”

Current Bandits players include two-time US Olympic medal winner Jenny Finch, U.S. Olympian Vicky Galindo and Canadian Olympian Caitlin Lever.

"I think this is a great opportunity to find out who is really the best in a battle of the sexes," said Bandits Owner and CEO Sokolis. "I’m looking forward to leaving Alexian Field with another victory for the Bandits and for women softball players all over the world."

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