AKRON ADDS POWER TO RACERS LINE-UP
Mexicano leads nation with 24 home runs and breaks Big Ten record
Robinson breaks the school record with 21

AKRON, Ohio—Akron Racers General Manager Joey Arrietta announced today the signing of University of Hawaii pitcher/first baseman, Kate Robinson and University of Illinois shortstop, Angelena Mexicano after drafting them in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft. The duo will join the team just in time for practices in order to prepare for the 2008 season.

Robinson went 18-10 in the circle this season and posted a 2.34 ERA in 32 appearances. She led the team in complete games (19), shutouts (9), innings pitched (185.2), and held her opponents to a .266 average.

She also led the team at the plate in batting average (.378), hits (71), homeruns (21, a school record), runs batted-in (55), total bases (150), slugging percentage (.745), and walks (22).

The Hawaii native was honored as WAC Pitcher of the Year in 2007, following a 17-1 record, with a 2.01 ERA, 15 complete games and eight shutouts. Robinson is a two-time First Team All WAC selection and a Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-West Region honoree.

Mexicano led the nation in home runs this past season with 24, a school single-season and Big Ten single-season record. She also holds the Illinois school record for career home runs with 51.

This year, the versatile Mexicano also led the Illini in games started (62), batting average (.369), runs (65), slugging percentage (.821), on-base percentage (.451), walks (27) and RBI’s (62). She also stole 11 bases for the Illini this season.

After hitting her first home run during her sophomore season, Mexicano tied the school single-season homerun record with 16 during her junior campaign, and bettered her mark to 24 as a senior.

Mexicano started all 222 games in her four-year career at Illinois, serving as captain her final two seasons in Champaign. She led the Illini to a 30-32 record this past season.

The Racers will kick off their season on the road in Chicago on June 6 with a four-game series against the Bandits. The Racers return home for the season opener to battle the defending 2007 NPF Champions, the Washington Glory on June 11 at Firestone Stadium. The game will start at 7:05.

Season ticket packages are on sale now at the Racers box office by calling 330-376-8188 or by visiting www.akronracers.org for more information.