ROSEMONT, ILL. – Kelsey Dotson’s first season as a professional softball player is quickly heading to its conclusion.

Dotson, a former standout at WCHS and Indiana University, is in her rookie season with the Chicago Bandits.

The Bandits, who are the defending champions in the National Pro Fastpitch League, are currently 20-22 and in fourth place in the league standings. Chicago begins its final homestead of the season tonight versus the league-leading USSSA Pride, who are 32-11.

Dotson, one of three catchers for the Bandits, has played in 10 games with five starts. She has two hits in 15 at-bats with five walks and one hit by pitch.

Dotson was signed to a 10-day contract back in late May after attending a Bandits tryout. Chicago then signed her to a one-year contract in June.

Dotson, a native of Silver Lake, was an All-State performer for the Tigers in high school. She had an outstanding junior year at IU before being slowed her senior season due to a broken hand.

Dotson is one of three catchers on the Bandits roster. Taylor Edwards, who played at Nebraska, is in her third season in the league and second with Chicago. She leads the Bandits in most offensive categories, including batting average (.368), home runs (9) and RBI (29). Kellsi Kloss, who played at LSU, is in her first season in the league.

The Bandits will play five road games after hosting the Pride for three games before the playoffs begin on Aug. 19.