Feb. 10, 2010

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- University of Michigan seniors Nikki Nemitz (St. Clair Shores, Mich./Regina HS) and Angela Findlay (Lockport, Ill./East HS) were selected during the 2010 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) College Senior Draft on Wednesday evening (Feb. 10) at the Heritage Key Resort. Both Wolverine players were chosen by the Chicago Bandits organization.

Becoming the fourth Wolverine in program history to earn first-round selection, Nemitz was the fourth overall pick of the draft and the first pitcher chosen. A two-time NFCA All-American and 2009 Big Ten Player of the Year, Nemitz posted a 28-7 record with a 1.07 earned-run average and 306 strikeouts as a junior. She also boasted career-best statistics at the plate last season, registering a .292 average with 19 extra-base hits and 37 runs batted in. Over the summer, Nemitz contributed to the gold-medal performance by USA Softball Women's National Team at the 2009 Pan-American Qualifier in Maracay, Venezuela.

The Bandits returned to the Michigan roster to select Findlay with the draft's 20th and final pick in the fifth round. Findlay, a 2007 All-America outfielder, has listed among U-M's most consistent and successful hitters over her three-year tenure. She hit .337 (56-for-166) as a junior and recorded 17 extra-base hits and 30 RBI. A two-year team captain, Findlay is a three-time All-Big Ten first team selection and has twice been named to the NFCA All-Great Lakes Region first team.

The Michigan duo will join former Wolverine standout Samantha Findlay (2005-08) in Chicago. A two-year NPF veteran, Findlay registered a .286 average in 2009 with 11 home runs and 27 RBI.

Nemitz and Findlay are the eighth and ninth players in Michigan history to be drafted in the professional league. The two draft picks are the most for the Wolverines since Traci Conrad and Catherine Davie were selected in the first and fourth rounds, respectively, in the 1999 WPSL Senior Draft.

• Michigan Softball in the Pros

Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423