AKRON, Ohio—Akron Racers General Manager Joey Arrietta has officially announced the signing of University of Tennessee catcher Shannon Doepking and Georgia Tech second/third baseman Brittany Barnes. The team selected both during the 2008 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft earlier this spring.

Doepking, who reported to the Racers on Thursday, helped to lead the Lady Volunteers to a 50-16 record during her senior season.

She was a reliable hitter this season as she posted a .315 average with 13 doubles and four home runs to go along with 47 RBI. She also posted a .455 on base percentage.

As good as she was as a hitter at the dish, she was even more impressive behind it as she finished the season with a .997 fielding percentage. During the season, she threw out over 40 percent of potential base stealers, making her one of the best in the country in this category.

Barnes joined the Racers on Tuesday night after finishing her senior campaign with the Yellow Jackets who finished with a 32-31 record.

The infielder started off her senior season by leading the team with a .400 average to go along with a game winning home run during the Georgia State First Pitch Classic.

Although she missed some of the rest of the season with an injury, she was still able to post a very respectable .248 average with six doubles, 12 home runs and 25 RBI.

She also managed to post a .934 fielding percentage while playing one of the toughest positions in the game.

Both of the newly signed players will start practicing with the team in the next week to prepare for the Racers’ 2008 season.

The Racers will start the season on the road against the Chicago Bandits on June 6, but they return home the following weekend to face off against last season’s league champions, the Washington Glory. Their home opener will be on June 11 at 7:05 pm.

Various season ticket packages are on sale now at the Racers’ box office and can also be purchased by calling (330) 276-8188. More information about the Racers and their upcoming season can be found at akronracers.org.