INDIANAPOLIS – Coming off of a school record 33-win season, the IUPUI softball team is looking to be Summit League contenders again this year under head coach Amanda Rivera.
 
This season, the Jags will take on elite competition as they prep for Summit League action. The early slate includes matchups with ACC powerhouses, North Carolina and North Carolina State, and in-state rivals, Notre Dame, Butler and Indiana State.
 
With the season kicking off this weekend in Ames, Iowa, here is a look at key players for the upcoming season. Today we preview the pitchers and the infielders.
 
Pitchers
 
Brooke Boetjer – Sr.
 
2015 statistics - 21-11, 2.15 ERA, 165.2 IP, 117 K, 13 CG, 5 SHO
 
Boetjer comes in to the season as the leader in the circle for the Jags. Last year, Boetjer won a school record 21 games for IUPUI and earned Second-Team All-Summit League. This season she will be looked upon to be the leader of a young pitching staff that includes three freshmen.
 
"[Brooke] is our horse," said Rivera. "She brings leadership, a competitive edge, and pride in how she comes to the field every day. To get 20 wins as a pitcher is unheard of with such big pitching rotations."

Nickole Finch – So.
 
2015 statistics - 0-1, 4.38 ERA, 32 IP, 38 K
 
The only other pitcher on the staff with collegiate experience, Finch is in position to see much more time on the rubber for IUPUI. The lefty from Valparaiso, Ind. brings a different look for batters than Boetjer and well be a solid change for Rivera's rotation.
 
"[Nickole] is definitely getting an expanded role. She could definitely be a #1 that could pitch anywhere," said Rivera. " She is a hard throwing lefty that does a good job of keeping hitters off balance."
 
Behind Boetjer and Finch are three freshman, Maggie Armstrong, Kaitlyn Moody and Erica Tharp. Both Armstrong and Moody will play other positions for the Jags, but Tharp was brought in solely as a pitcher. All three should see time in the circle as they adjust to the differences between high school and college.
 
"It's just about getting them comfortable. They have been playing this game since they were five and it is the same game," said Rivera. "It might be a little faster and every batter is tough. Unlike high school you can't take a pitch off or they will hurt you."
 
 
Outside of pitchers there is a lot that can change in the lineup for the Jags based on who is hitting well and what matchups are with opposing pitchers. Players could see time at many different positions as Rivera tries to find the best lineup for success. Here are a few key players slated to be contributors at infield positions this year.
 
Infielders
 
Ali Mosier – Sr.
 
2015 statistics - .310 avg, 14 HR, 38 RBI, .658 SLG%, 13 2B, 34 BB, 25 SB
 
Last season, Mosier led the Jags in home runs, total bases, stolen bases and walks. She also was tied for the lead in doubles and runs scored. Mosier also earned Second-Team All Summit League.
 
This year, Mosier will be looked upon to contribute just as much for the Jags at the top of the lineup. The senior from Simi Valley, Calif., will need to be a leader in the infield and set the tone at the plate as the leadoff hitter for the Jags.
 
"Her leadership is going to help us. She keeps a good tempo in the infield," said Rivera. "It is really important to have a good first at bat. She does a good job seeing pitches and making a pitcher throw. She does everything you want in a leadoff batter."
 
Roni Patterson – Jr.
 
2015 statistics - .371 avg, 11 HR, 39 RBI, .675 SLG%, .464 OBP, 13 2B, 27 BB, 12 SB
 
The Fishers, Ind. native took home First-Team All-Summit League last season and was the best hitter on the team with a .371 average. Even with all of the success her first two years on the diamond, Patterson, who splits time at catcher and third base, is still on the rise according to Rivera.
 
"It's unbelievable how [Patterson] has gotten better every year, and she isn't even where she needs to be yet," said Rivera. "It's going to be fun to see what she brings this year. She just needs to have good at bats and make sure she gets good pitches to hit."
 
Taylor Chitwood – Jr.
 
2015 statistics - 265 avg, 6 HR, 28 RBI, .470 SLG%, 11 2B
 
Chitwood finished last season earning a Summit League All-Tournament Team selection, while also finishing second on the team with 11 doubles. This season, the corner infielder from Mooresville, Ind., looks to make an impact for the Jags on the defensive side of the ball.
 
"Taylor has gotten so much better defensively, she has a lot of pride in her defense," said Rivera. "You don't see many softball players that have the pride in defense the way she does."