LOWELL, Mass. – The New England Riptide women’s professional softball team today announced the signing of Georgia Tech shortstop Tara Knudsen, 2002 All-American and three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference player. The Lowell (MA)-based New England Riptide is a member of the six-team, first-year National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league.
Knudsen, of Colorado (Thornton), led the Yellow Jackers this past season in all offensive categories and finished among the top three in the ACC in batting average (.394), doubles (14), home runs (11), walks (35), slugging percentage (.723), on-base percentage (.510) and total bases (112). She holds the ACC and Georgia Tech career record for most home runs with 45. Tara was the 24th overall pick in last year's senior draft by the now defunct San Antonio Armadillos and the No. 1 pick in the supplemental draft by The Riptide.
"I'm really excited about having the opportunity to play after college," Tara said. "It's great women are getting to play their respective sports professionally.”
The Riptide also announced that it has obtained the rights to senior draftee LaDonia Hughes in a trade with the New Jersey/New York Juggernaut. Hughes batted .347 and stole 28 team-high bases during this past regular season for Louisiana State University. She is playing centerfield for LSU in this week’s double elimination NCAA, Division 1 Tournament. Two other New England Riptide senior draftees, Stanford catcher Jessica Allister and pitcher Dana Sorensen, also are presently playing in the NCAA tourney.
The New England Riptide’s 60-game regular season opens June 1 versus the New York/New Jersey Juggernaut in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. New England Riptide season tickets are priced at $175 for 30 home games, starting June 16 against the Sacramento Sunbirds. Four-game Flex-Packs are $28.00 and individual games only $8.00. All seating is general admission at the home of The Riptide, Martin Field in Lowell. Go to
www.neriptide.com or call 866-4RIPTIDE to purchase tickets. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities also are available.
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CONTACT:
Bob Trieger
Full Court Press
978.207.0165
bobtfcp@hotmail.com
