Aug. 24, 2008

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Chicago Bandits and Rachel Folden took three straight games in the National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series to claim the team's first Cowles Cup Trophy Sunday.

The Bandits defeated the Washington Glory 6-4 in Sunday's final game. After earning the top spot in the series, Chicago defeated the New England Riptide Friday and the Philadelphia Force Saturday before claiming the title Sunday.

Chicago finished the season on a 15-game winning streak that ran from the regular season into the championship series.

Because of her outstanding performance at the plate, Folden was honored with the 2008 Nokona American Glove Rookie of the Year award.

"I am extremely proud of what Rachel has been able to accomplish at the next level," Marshall softball head coach Shonda Stanton said.

In the Saturday contest against Philadelphia, Folden went 4-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored.