Elgin, Ill. – Looking to extend her softball opportunities
after the conclusion of the 2009 National Pro Fastpitch season
in August, Chicago Bandits pitcher Kristina Thorson has
reached a deal to play for the Fiorini Softball Club Forli –
an Italian Pro Softball team – in an effort to bolster their
pitching staff as the team moves into the playoffs in late
August and mid September.

“It’s so much fun to play in Europe and I love playing in
Italy,” said Thorson. The upcoming stint with Forli will be
her second venture into European softball as she played for
the Dorbirn Sharx in 2006.
“Going to Europe, you get to experience the different
cultures, the different style of play, new people and they
don’t really make any money so they’re truly playing for the
love of the game over there. It’s inspiring.”

Thorson has been solid in the circle for the Bandits so far in
2009 with a 5-3 record in eight games started. She has struck
out 30 batters on the year with a 2.82 ERA in 207 batters
faced, and has earned one save.

“Usually you play a double header one day a week and then
practice one day a week,” added Thorson. “So you really get to
travel a lot and experience the countries.”

Details of Thorson’s contract were not immediately available,
but Bandits’ fans need not worry however, as Thorson will not
miss any of the remaining 2009 season and will be back to
pitch for the black and orange in 2010.

“I’m just going to pitch for the playoffs, I get to travel,
play in a new setting and hopefully learn some Italian,” said
Thorson. “And go to Oktoberfest. I will be back next season
for the Bandits, this is just a chance to play softball for a
little longer this season.”