ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Rockford Thunder of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and General Manager Aaron M. Moore announced today that they have re-signed pitcher/outfielder Amanda Freed and pitcher/designated player Serena Settlemier for the 2007 season. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The 2007 season will be Freed’s third season in a Thunder uniform. The 26-year-old California native made her debut with the Thunder during the 2005 season in Houston and has been a vital piece to the team puzzle ever since.

Freed, who was a college standout at UCLA, will be looked at to be the everyday right fielder, as well as the team’s No. 2 pitcher in the circle. Last season, Freed was 1-1 with two saves in 20 innings of work. She had just a 0.70 ERA on the year, but missed a majority of the season because of her National Team commitment. She also hit a respectable .262 on the season.

The team was 10-4 in games that Freed played in and 11-23 when she was not available.

“Re-signing with the Thunder is definitely an important thing for me and for my softball career,” said Freed. “I believe in what the team has going on right now and I definitely want to be a part of the new experiences in Rockford.”

“Saying that we’re excited about this is an understatement,” exclaimed Moore. “Amanda is the type of person, player and athlete that any team, in any sport would want on their roster. She is a go-getter and her abilities will be exciting for fans in Rockford to watch.”

Signing on for her second season in Thunder pinstripes is No. 3 pitcher and possible designated player is Settlemier.

Settlemier, a 2006 graduate from Kansas University and current assistant coach at Fordham University, had a tough-luck record last season in the circle for the circle. She finished the season 4-8, but had chances to win several other games, as she surrendered three or fewer earned runs in 15 of 18 appearances.

“I’m very excited to be back with the Thunder in 2007,” said Settlemier. “This is going to be an exciting year and I’ve been working extremely hard to get ready for the season.”

“It will be very nice to have Serena back in the mix this season,” said Moore. “She is capable of producing in so many ways because of her abilities at the plate and in the circle. She is also one of the biggest competitors I’ve come across.”

With the addition of Freed and Settlemier, the team’s 2007 roster now stands at 11. They join gold medal pitcher Cat Osterman, 2005 NPF League MVP Kristen Zaleski, Mackenzie Vandergeest, twin sisters Amanda and Jessica Williams, Jackie Wong, Lindsay Gardner, Kim Wendland and De De Justice.

For more information on the Thunder or to purchase season tickets for the 2007 season, contact Aaron M. Moore, general manager, at (815) 965-7000 or amoore@thunderprofastpitch.com. Season tickets by Feb. 28 will be eligible for a $25 discount. Additional information on the team can be obtained on the web at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.

- THUNDER -