HEAD:Vachon steps up quickly> UMaine freshman making right moves

Amy Vachon might initially have been viewed as the heir-apparent to Cindy Blodgett as the point guard for the University of Maine – in two years or so.

Instead, the freshman from Augusta has quickly worked her way into the Black Bears’ lineup alongside the All-America candidate.

If Vachon has learned anything growing up as the daughter of a high school coach, it’s that she has to be versatile enough to accept changing roles and smart enough to adapt and still be effective. Vachon has done just that.

The most notable difference in Vachon’s game as she makes the transition from high school to Division I college ball is her scoring average. The 5-foot-7 playmaker, who averaged 16 points last season while leading Cony High School to its second straight Class A state title, has scored only 17 points in her first six games at UMaine.

UMaine coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie said Vachon’s offensive potential should begin to emerge when the time is right.

“I think it’s just a timing thing,” Palombo said. “I kind of let [the players] evolve on their own offensively, but I do put quite a bit of expectations on them in terms of defense and rebounding.”

Vachon said she has been focusing on learning the UMaine system and meshing with the playing styles of her new teammates rather than scoring.

“It’s just the way things have worked out,” said Vachon, who has taken only 25 shots. “Coach and a couple other people have been telling me I have to shoot more. I’m not, not shooting on purpose. It depends on the flow of the game.”

Vachon believes that as opponents’ defensive efforts are concentrated on Cindy Blodgett, Stacey Porrini and Jamie Cassidy, she’ll have more scoring chances. Still, she’s content with her role.

“When I go in there, I don’t have to be the one that scores all the points,” Vachon said. “Right now, I’m concentrating on distributing the ball to people who are better able to score.”

And it’s that unselfishness, along with court savvy, that has made Vachon the third-leading assist-maker in America East this season with 4.7 per game.

“Amy has great basketball knowledge and is extremely well-coached [by her father, Paul Vachon],” Palombo said. “She reads situations well and fundamentally is extremely solid. I think she’s a catalyst for us in terms of giving us a boost off the bench.”

Vachon is the first guard off the bench for the Bears, but ranks second behind Blodgett in minutes played with 26.7 per game. In addition to her playmaking, Vachon also has limited her turnovers.

“She has earned that playing time by virtue of taking care of the basketball at critical junctures,” Palombo explained.

While Vachon gives Blodgett an occasional breather, the two seem to be developing an effective chemistry together on the court.

“We go into a much more creative style of offense with them playing together,” Palombo said. “They complement each other and give us more flexibility.”

Vachon said defense is her No. 1 priority for improvement as her freshman season unfolds.

“Defense, that’s what I concentrate on right now,” said Vachon, who admits it hasn’t been easy stepping up to Division I.

“It was a big challenge to make the transition from high school to Division I, but it’s been a lot of fun,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s very difficult to stay focused and keep your confidence up.”