Bandits Make History with Opening Day Victory in AUSL Thrilling Debut!

Parkway Bank Sports Complex, Rosemont, Illinois, USA - The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) kicked off its inaugural season on June 7, 2025, with a thrilling start that showcased the talent and competitive spirit of women’s softball. It was a historic day, as the Bandits and the Volts both claimed their opening day victories at separate venues, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. In Rosemont, Illinois, the Bandits defeated the Talons 3-1 in the very first game of this much-anticipated league, reported On3.

The first pitch of the AUSL was thrown by none other than Lexi Kilfoyl, the Bandits‘ star and first-overall pick, who faced off against Talons‘ pitcher Montana Fouts. A sold-out crowd of 2,013 fans witnessed the historic match, stirring the atmosphere at Parkway Bank Sports Complex. In a nail-biting encounter, the Bandits found themselves struggling with runners in scoring position, ending the game with a dismal 1-for-11 hitting record in that regard. However, Erin Coffel’s impressive two-out triple gave the Bandits the lead in the third inning, proving to be a pivotal moment in securing their win.

Game Highlights

The scoreboard reflected the Bandits‘ hard-fought victory, bolstered by a late insurance run following a throwing error by Talons’ Sydney Romero. Kilfoyl pitched four innings, giving up one home run and five hits, while Taylor McQuillin came in strong for the save, throwing three innings and allowing just one hit. The Bandits, coached by Stacey Nuveman-Deniz, emerged with a 1-0 season record, setting the tone for their campaign ahead.

Simultaneously in Wichita, the Volts celebrated a victorious start against the Blaze, winning 5-1 after extra innings. McKenzie Clark delivered a thrilling three-run homer in the eighth inning, showcasing her prowess in the batter’s box. Earlier, Michaela Edenfield’s single propelled the Volts into the lead during the same inning, illustrating the team’s tenacity. Rachel Garcia threw a fantastic eight innings, allowing only one run while striking out eight, as the Volts too walked away with a commendable 1-0 in the standings, as detailed by Sports Illustrated.

What’s Next?

The AUSL is shaping up to be the premier professional women’s softball league in the United States, featuring four teams: Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts. Over the course of the season, each team will showcase their talents in 24 games across major U.S. cities, culminating in a best-of-3 Championship. The teams have exciting rematches scheduled for Sunday, with the Bandits facing the Talons again at 2 p.m. ET and the Blaze squaring off against the Volts at 6 p.m. ET.

This league is more than just a platform for competitive games. With an average player salary pegged at $45,000 and potential earnings reaching up to $75,000 for the season, it represents a significant opportunity for athletes in women’s sports. According to AUSL, the season will finally transition to a city-based league in 2026, but for now, the excitement of the inaugural season is more than enough to keep fans engaged and cheering for their teams.

Overall, the energy and enthusiasm witnessed on opening day is just the beginning for the AUSL. With legends like Jennie Finch advising the league and partnerships with networks like ESPN, the stage is set for a thrilling season ahead. Expect the unexpected, and stay tuned for even more exciting moments in women’s softball this summer!