Montvidas to return as Rebellion manager
Craig Montvidas will return for a second season as manager of the Pennsylvania Rebellion softball team.
The Rebellion announced the extension Tuesday afternoon.
Montvidas led the Rebellion to a 16-32 record last season but the team was playing better at the end, winning six of the last 10 games. Still, the Rebellion finished last in the National Pro Fastpitch standings and failed to make the postseason tournament.
“I am extremely excited to be returning to the Rebellion for the 2016 season,” said Montividas in a statement released by the Rebellion. “We have some very talented young athletes, plus a good mixture of experienced veterans, and an owner who wants the best for the team, the organization and the NPF. I’m proud to be the head coach of the Rebellion.”
Montvidas, who was the former coach of the Netherlands Women’s National Softball Team, brought extensive softball coaching and playing experience to the Washington-based team. He replaced Stacey Rice, who was an assistant to Rick Bertagnolli then elevated to head coach when Bertagnolli resigned after 12 games of the inaugural season.
“We are very pleased that Craig will return to Consol Energy Park for another season of Rebellion Softball,” said Rebellion general manager Steve Zavacky. “We are a young organization and right now having the consistency of an elite coach like Craig will make a positive impact on the team.”
Under Montvidas, the Rebellion concentrated on acquiring pitching, speed and strong defensive players. In the last NPF draft, the Rebellion drafted left-hander Miranda Kramer with the first pick of the second round, and right-handers Emily Weiman and Emma Johnson in the fifth round. They combined for eight of the 16 victories.
In other transactions, Maddie O’Brien, the Rebellion’s second pick in the second round of the draft, retired. O’Brien, a shortstop from Florida State, batted .128 in 29 games.
Utility player Lara Andrews and infielders Haruna Sakamoto and Virginie Anneveld were released. Andrews hit .172 in 15 games, Sakamoto batted .224 in 28 games and Anneveld hit .139 in 16 games. Anneveld and pitcher Dagmar Bloeming came to the Rebellion from the Netherlands for the 2015 season. Bloeming retired two weeks ago after compiling a 1-2 record with a 6.07 ERA.
Also retiring from the NPF were utility player Brittney Lindley and pitcher Allyson Fournier, who had a 1-1 record and 2.80 ERA in 15 games.