ACT Meteors pair of Katie Mack, Madeline Penna sign with Adelaide Strikers

Adelaide Strikers announced the signing of middle-order batter Katie Mack and her Australian Capital Territory teammate Madeline Penna for the sixth season of the Women's Big Bash League beginning on October 25.



20-year-old Penna turned out for Melbourne Stars last year, having been called in as a 'replacement player' following the injury to Alana King. The leg-spinner took a total of 10 wickets - including a best of 4 for 20 - to finish as the team's second highest wicket-taker in the tournament, behind senior spinner Erin Osborne.



Penna made her List-A debut for the ACT Metors last season in the first round of the Women's National Cricket League competition against Victoria. She finished with impressive figures of 1 for 24 from seven overs, dismissing Makinley Blows to pick up her maiden wicket.



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“We were really impressed with Madeline last year who came in as a replacement player for the Stars," said Strikers' head coach Luke Williams. “She took some really handy wickets for them and impressed with her all-round skills, and she will certainly add spin bowling depth and play an important role in our squad."



Meanwhile, Mack, who featured in the Strikers' squad last season has re-signed with the club for a year. An energetic fielder and useful batter, Mack has scored a total of 902 runs - with a highest of 57 - and taken 17 catches in a 69-match WBBL career.



While she wasn't required much with the bat last season - Strikers' top-order doing most of the heavy-lifting - the right-hander played a couple of crucial cameos at the back of the innnings. She carried that promising form into the WNCL and topped the run-charts for ACT with 295 runs, including a match-winning 72 in the team's penultimate game of the tournament.



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“Katie certainly was an important member of last year’s side that made the final and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can bring this season for us," Williams added. “Katie is a live wire in the field and her running between the wickets is a big asset to the team, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back.”



The pair's signing comes after batter Bridget Patterson signed a three-year extension with the club after playing a crucial role in their run to the final last season. Strikers now have 14 names in their roster including four marquee players - skipper Suzie Bates, South Africa batter Laura Wolvaardt, Australia seamer Megan Schutt and allrounder Tahlia McGarth. They have the opportunity to sign one more overseas international.



Squad so far: Suzie Bates (c), Megan Schutt, Tahlia McGrath, Laura Wolvaardt (SA), Darcie Brown, Sarah Coyte, Ellie Falconer, Katie Mack, Tegan McPharlin, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Alex Price, Amanda-Jade Wellington.