PHILADELPHIA-- Lynsey Grace, one of the standouts for Temple's 2004 Atlantic 10 Softball Championship team, has signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Force of the National Pro Fastpitch League. The 2005 Temple University graduate played professionally for the Harlem Diamond last year.
"It feels great to be back in the city of Brotherly Love, this time playing professional softball," Grace said. "Philadelphia is my favorite city because of its rich culture; it depicts the beautiful artwork of life through its diversity. What I love most about this city is the food and people. Philadelphia fans are known for being true and showing a great deal of support for their professional teams. I envision a great fan base for the Philadelphia Force."
In 2004, her senior year at Temple, the New Bedford, Mass. native was an All-Atlantic 10 selection after leading the Owls to the A-10 Championship and a first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. The outfielder finished her senior year batting .331 with nine doubles, five homeruns, and 26 RBI. For her career, Grace holds one Temple record, having hit the most home runs in Owl history with 13. She is tied for a second record alongside teammate Katie Weigle with 108 runs.
The Force will begin its season in June 2006 and is slated to play 48 games. The team has announced that Patriots Park in Allentown, Pa. will serve as its home stadium for its inaugural season. Grace and her teammates will be participating in the Force Holiday Clinic Series December 16-18. For more information visit www.philadelphiaforce.com.
