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National Pro Fastpitch's season ended as an ugly, soggy shambles, fingers raised not skyward to celebrate a championship but instead pointed accusingly in every direction.

The National Pro Fastpitch season ended without a champion for the first time in the league's nine-year history because of weather delays and what the league cited as scheduling conflicts for players on both teams.

Monica Abbott was her usual brilliant self in the pitcher's circle for Chicago on Saturday. But it was the Bandits' catcher, Shannon Doepking, who was the star in the opener of the NPF championship series.

The Akron Racers beat the USSSA Pride 8-7 in the National Pro Fastpitch playoffs to force a Saturday Game 3 in their series.

Kristen Butler found her missing stroke. Her long home run sparked the defending-champion Bandits to a romp in their NPF playoff opener.

The four NPF teams are set for their playoff tournament this weekend in Chicago. Here is all you need to know about the teams and players battling for the title.