ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch league have re-signed first baseman Megan Blank to a one-year deal, team officials announced on Tuesday afternoon on the team's official website.

Blank is also in her first season as an assistant coach for the Kirkwood softball team

Blank, who initially signed with the Bandits via open tryouts prior to the 2015 season, recently completed her third season with the  team. Following a pair of Cowles Cup championship seasons in 2015 and 2016, the former Iowa standout enjoyed a successful 2017 campaign in which she batted .263 with three home runs and 17 RBI. The three long balls ranked second on the team, only trailing rookie catcher Sahvanna Jaquish (6).

“I’m looking forward to my fourth season with the Bandits,” Blank said. “The organization is second to none and I can’t wait to help bring the Cowles Cup back to Chicago and back to the best fans in  the NPF.”

Blank, originally from Culver City, CA, continued to excel from the left side of the plate during her third year in the NPF. The four-time All-Big Ten First Team selection set career highs in walks (13) and runs (16) as part of a Bandits team that reached the postseason for the 10th consecutive season.

“Megan has been a vital contributor to our offense over the past three seasons,” Bandits general manager Toni Calmeyn said. “She’s an important piece to our lineup and we’re looking forward to continuing to see her grow as a professional ballplayer.”

Blank hit at a torrid .346 pace over the course of the final eight games of the 2017 regular season. All three of her home runs and 10 of her 17 RBI came during the same span. Her sixth-inning two-run blast to right field against the Texas Charge on Aug. 9 helped the Bandits secure their spot in the NPF Championship Series.