NPF Power Rankings: Blockbuster Trade Shakes Things Up

It was an eventful week in the National Pro Fastpitch, despite the Canadian Wild and Beijing Eagles being on hiatus due to international competitions. After putting together a 14-game winning streak, the Chicago Bandits finally lost, while the Cleveland Comets upset the USSSA Pride by taking three of four contests from the NPF's defending champions.

Perhaps overshadowing everything that took place on the field last week in the NPF was a trade that was announced on Friday, which saw the Pride send Paige Parker and Nicole Pendley to the Comets in exchange for Emily Carosone, Brittany Cervantes and the rights to Meghan King.

After a busy week in the NPF, see below for this week's power rankings.

1. Chicago Bandits (22–5)

The Bandits may have had their winning streak come to an end last week, but an impressive feat was still accomplished by one of their own budding stars. Rookie Abbey Cheek blasted not one, not two, but three home runs on Thursday in a 7–1 Bandits win over the Peppers. Cheek is just one of four NPF players in the league's history to ever do so in a single game.

2. USSSA Pride (18–6)

The Pride will face a tough test to start things off this week, as they take on the Bandits in Kansas City in what could serve as a preview for what is to come at next month's NPF Championship Series. USSSA will look to halt its two-game losing streak when it takes the field on Monday against Chicago.

3. Canadian Wild (16–13)

The Wild did not face any of their NPF foes last week, as they competed for Team Canada in the Canada Cup. The Canadian squad will return to NPF action this week against the Pride.

4. Cleveland Comets (13–19)

Following last week's blockbuster trade and their biggest wins of the season, the Comets return to action this week against the Peppers and Eagles.

5. Beijing Eagles (7–19)

After two weeks away for international competition, the Eagles will resume NPF play this weekend against the Comets.

6. Aussie Peppers (8–22)

The highlight of the Aussie squad's week last week was taking two straight contests from Chicago to end its 14-game winning streak. The Peppers have another busy slate ahead this week, as they will go to battle against the Comets and Bandits.

With NPF On Hold, Abbey Cheek Looks Ahead

NPF standout Abbey Cheek looks ahead to a time when she can play softball again.