Allentown, PA – The Force are excited to announce the signing of two key additions to their 2009 roster; Lauren Redfern (C/1B) from Jacksonville University and Samantha Yodowitz (P/OF) from CW Post on Long Island, NY. Both were signed during private try outs at Georgian Court University located in Lakewood, NJ.

Redfern left her mark all over the Jacksonville University record books in her senior year when she hit for average (.380), and power (.656 slugging percentage). Lauren had 25 doubles and 8 home runs on the season, with 40 RBIs and 42 runs scored. Defensively she had 344 put outs in 404 chances, in a year in which she earned many accolades: Atlantic Sun All-Conference (first team), Academic All-America (2nd team), and earned ESPN The Magazine’s All American honors, while holding a 3.8 GPA in Sociology.

Since graduation Lauren has served as an assistant coach at Florida Community College of Jacksonville along side her father, assistant coach James Redfern. The Force is looking forward to her leadership on and off of the field.

According to Head Coach Jeff Franquet, “Lauren is one the best hitters I have seen play softball. She is always the first person to the field, and the last person to leave. Lauren knows what it takes to be a great hitter. She puts in many hours on the tee to perfect her swing. Lauren has always been a leader by example on and off the field. I am confident she will come into spring training camp in great shape, and ready to go.”

Samantha Yodowitz, the team’s third left handed pitcher, had a stellar career herself while in college. A career 90-27 record, she had 61 of those wins in her Junior and Senior years. Her career 586 strike outs in 792 innings, along with her 95 career complete games and minuscule .191 opponent batting average, proved to the Force that she was not only durable, but capable of giving her team a chance to win every time she steps into the pitchers circle.

Yodowitz can also hit, having a career .329 average, 20 home runs and 95 RBI’s, while racking up a .510 slugging percentage, and scoring 127 runs. In 2007 she threw back-to-back no hitters, and in the Regional Championship game pitched a complete game 6-hitter allowing just 1 earned run one day after throwing a 5-hit shutout. She led C.W. Post to back-to-back National Championship Tournaments in 2007 and 2008.

Samantha’s collegiate awards include New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) Rookie of the year, NYCAC Tournament MVP, NCAA Northeast Regional All-Tournament Team, and a two-time Second Team All-American, among many others. In high school she threw seven no-hitters, including two perfect games.

Force Head Coach Jeff Franquet had this to say about finally inking Yodowitz, “I know Jamie Apicella-CW Post University Head Coach is very proud of Samantha’s opportunity to play in the NPF. I am sure if you asked Jamie he would tell you Samantha is the hardest working player he has ever coached. Samantha has an incredible work ethic, and a hunger to be the best player on the field. She has been in the weight room, doing a vigorous conditioning program, and throwing bullpens a few days a week. I feel very confident Samantha will come into spring training in the best shape of her life.”