Grim Signs With NPF, Homers In First Series

A pair of individuals with ties to the Loyola University Chicago softball program hit home runs on Saturday as the Akron Racers dealt the visiting Chicago Bandits a 5-4 loss in a National Pro Fastpitch contest. Current Loyola graduate assistant coach Nicole Pauly, a second baseman with the Racers, belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning to lead her team to victory.

Pauly's two-run blast gave the Racers a 2-0 lead they would never relinquish. Akron extended its edge to 4-0 before Jenna Grim, who wrapped up her Loyola playing career in May, went deep on a 1-1 offering from Kristina Thorson to ignite a Bandits rally in the fifth inning.

Grim's home run came in just her second at-bat as a professional. Signed by the Bandits earlier this week, the two-time Second Team All-Horizon League catcher finished her Loyola career ranked second on the school's all-time list with 31 home runs.

On Thursday, July 14, Grim signed with the Bandits, saying, “I am very excited for this opportunity. Playing professional softball is something I have wanted to do since I first started playing the game. I am very grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to get on the field again."

A feared slugger, Grim was one of the most prolific power hitters ever to wear the Maroon and Gold, belting 31 career home runs, which ranks second only to Kat Krause (32). A two-time Second Team All-Horizon League selection, Grim enjoyed her finest season in 2010 when she batted a career-best .328 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI, while playing error-free defense behind the plate.

Her 11 roundtrippers in 2010 matched a Loyola single-season record also set by Krause. During the 2011 campaign, Grim tied for the team lead with seven home runs and also knocked in 19 runs. She closed out her career ranked fifth on the school's chart with 87 RBI.

(Release courtesy LoyolaRamblers.com)