PEKIN, Ill. - The IUPUI softball team will open up its 2009 campaign by taking part in the Country Inn & Suites Bradley Softball Invitational inside the Dragon's Dome this weekend. The Jaguars will play host Bradley and Iowa State on Saturday before facing Wright State and Western Illinois on Sunday. 

The Jaguars have taken part in the event in three of the past four seasons.

Head Coach Maggie Calcaterra's team is led by sophomore pitcher/infielder Amy Raker, who batted a team-high .311 last season. Raker also tied for the team-high in RBI (15) and had eight doubles in 38 games. Speedy junior Mia Ettl also returns to the top of the lineup where the left-handed slapper hit .307 a year ago.

Calcaterra is expecting major contributions from a cast of freshmen, including infielder Jessica Huey and outfielder Sarah Oppelt. Huey was the top offensive player on New Palestine's 3A state championship team and Oppelt earned MVP honors at the North/South All-Star series following her outstanding career at Mishawaka Marian High School.

In the circle, Raker and junior Jessica McGown are the top returners, each winning four games last season. McGown had a team-high 67 strikeouts and 4.45 ERA in 14 starts. Raker tossed a team-high 81 innings and had three saves.

Saturday's play begins with a 10:00 a.m. start against Bradley, followed by a 2:00 p.m. game with Iowa State.