Ford and Field Selected at No. 3 and No. 18 in NPF Draft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Seniors Jailyn Ford and Erica Field made history Thursday night as the duo become the first two draft picks in James Madison softball history at the 2016 National Pro Fastpitch College Draft, presented by Bownet Sports, at the CMA Theater in Nashville. Ford was selected in the first round as the third overall pick by the Akron Racers and Field was drafted by the USSSA Pride in the third round and the No. 18 overall pick.

The Racers are located in Akron Ohio while the USSSA Pride is based out of Kissimmee, Fla.

"I can't put this feeling into words as I am still taking it all in," Ford said. "This is something I have always looked forward to ever since I started my softball career. I am very excited to have the opportunity to continue playing but we still have work to do in my final season at James Madison."

"I am extremely excited for this opportunity," Field said. "It has always been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl, and to go through this experience with Jailyn makes it even better."

The seniors lead the seventh-ranked Dukes, who currently own a 34-3 overall record and 9-0 mark in conference play. The pitcher/catcher duo has etched their names into the JMU record books since their rookie seasons in 2013.

"I feel like a proud father for both Erica and Jailyn," said head coach Mickey Dean. "It's great for them to be recognized for all their hard work and dedication. They are two very talented young ladies and I am excited to see that people are appreciating what James Madison is bringing to the softball world."

Ford is the all-time leader in batters faced (2618), innings pitched (656.0) wins (77), strikeouts (741) and home runs (41). She is a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award and was recently named a top-25 finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. She is also the program's first two-time NFCA All-American.

Field sits atop the JMU career leaderboards with 241 hits, 58 doubles, 149 RBIs and 1,324 putouts. She is a two-time Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year and All-Northeast Region selection.

The NPF league is made up of six teams the Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Dallas Charge, Pennsylvania Rebellion, Scrap Yard Dawgs and the USSSA Pride.

REACTIONS

Jailyn Ford (@jaylander12) selected 3rd overall in the NFP college draft! ?????? pic.twitter.com/6FIfqN2Zp3
— JMUSports (@JMUSports) April 15, 2016

...and another! Congratulations to the 18th overall pick, Erica Field! #ProDukes pic.twitter.com/wgu4qhrhXk
— JMUSports (@JMUSports) April 15, 2016

ABOUT THE AKRON RACERS
Entering their 15th season, the Racers are the oldest team in the NPF. General Manager Joey Arrietta led the team to a 22-26 record last season. The Racers play at the Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio.

ABOUT THE USSSA PRIDE
Based out of Kissimmee, Fla., the Pride was founded in 2009 and recorded a 34-14 record in 2015. They are managed by Don DeDonatis, who led them to the regular-season title last year.

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