Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Maine Sports

Media Credit: Amy Brooks Alexis Souhlaris is UMaine's starting pitcher and outfielder and holds one of the only dual-position on the softball team.

Some athletes strive to have a breakout game, their chance to shine or to be the all-star of their team. For second-year pitcher and outfielder Alexis Souhlaris, the moment came a few weeks ago in a game against Colby College.

The slight breeze blew across UMaine's Mike Kessock softball field and caused the fans in the stands to shiver just a little - it was the fifth inning, and the Black Bears were up 1-0 after Souhlaris' score earlier in the game.

Souhlaris was on the pitching mound and had just collected back-to-back strikeouts. The third Colby batter hit a single up the middle - almost jeopardizing the Black Bears' win. The crowd grew restless when a walk was issued to the next batter to put runners at first and second. Souhlaris forced Colby to ground out to the catcher and sealed the shutout win for the Black Bears.

Souhlaris, as a starting pitcher and outfielder, is one of the only dual position players on the Black Bears squad and has gained multiple praises from fellow teammates throughout the season.

"Alexis does a great job of working batters. She had great control and makes her pitches work," third-year infielder Ashley Waters said.

Things weren't always positive for Souhlaris this season - the Black Bears started out 0-26, and before the Colby game, Souhlaris had a pitching record of 1-9.

Tables turned when UMaine faced Colby, and Souhlaris retired 12 batters in a row and got the first shutout of the season. Despite her numerous accolades, the former Derry, New Hampshire native and 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year remains humble.

"Our defense sets a good tone out there, so that is definitely a positive to look at," Souhlaris said.

A standout pitcher and outfielder at New Hampshire's Pinkerton Academy, Souhlaris shined last year as a first-year center fielder for UMaine. With a team-leading .367 and 22 RBIs, she was named to the All-America East Team and All-America East Rookie Team.

Despite Souhlaris' outfielding skills, Head Softball Coach Stacey Sullivan requested that she return to the mound - a place she dominated throughout her high school career.

Continued...

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