The Kennebec Journal

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

March 19

Colby's Cheever changes roles again

Cony graduate helps pitching-thin Mules as season opener nears

By Gary Hawkins ghawkins@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

Colby College junior Allyson Cheever defines herself as a team player and has the credentials to back it up.

When the Mules' softball team needed a slap hitter last season, Cheever took it upon herself to learn how to swing from the left side and leg out hits.

"It was something we were lacking in our program," she said. "I figured I'd give it a try. It's a fun challenge for me."

A former three-sport athlete at Cony High School, Cheever saw time at every position but catcher and pitcher last season. That will change again this year: She's agreed to help the pitching-thin Mules on the mound.

"I will do what is best for the team," she said. "I just want to be out on the field. Coming up through we were taught to play every position."

Cheever will get a chance to pitch next week in Florida as Colby begins its season Sunday under first-year coach Kristina Katori.

"She's been throwing," Katori said. "She looks great. She's got pretty good speed."

Cheever pitched in a couple of games her senior year at Cony, but otherwise had a fireballer in front of her.

"I played shortstop instead," she said. "I haven't really competitively thrown since middle school."

The Mules have a number of returning veterans from a team that went 18-11 last season. They figure to hit and play defense, but pitching is a question.

"We might throw three of four kids in a game if that's what it takes," Katori said.

Cheever will hit somewhere near the top of the lineup. Last season she led the Mules in batting average (.398), runs (23) and stolen bases (6). She's been working on her power from the left side so she can keep defenses from cheating on her.

"She's very good from the left side," Katori said. "She's got great speed, too."

Bigger and stronger than she was in high school, Cheever may also hit from the right side.

"I've gained some muscle," she said. "I've been in the weight room a lot more. It's helped me get a little more power off the mound."

Cheever tore a ligament in her left ankle last season while backing up a play at second base.

"It was a weird accident," she said.

She continued to play but eventually had it operated on in August and was sidelined for several weeks. Although she still wears a brace, it has no effect on her play.

One of three team captains for the Mules, Cheever takes the responsibility seriously. Of the three, she's the most vocal.

"She's one of my captains and she takes control," Katori said.

The transition to a new coach has been smooth for Cheever and the team.

"It's working out great," Cheever said. "Everyone has great respect for her and we really like the direction she's taking."

A biology major with a minor in computer science, Cheever wasn't sure after high school she wanted to go to a college just 20 miles from her home.

"I absolutely love it," she said. "I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. It's proven to be just the best fit for me."

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com