MEADVILLE — Ben Murray is back.

The Seneca Valley graduate, now a junior designated hitter/first baseman at Allegheny College, is swinging the bat like he did when he helped his high school team win a WPIAL championship three years ago.

“It was just a matter of Ben finding that comfort zone again,” Allegheny coach Kelly Swiney said. “We knew he was a good hitter coming out of high school.

“That's why we wanted him then. His bat is why he was recruited.”

Instead, Murray — who hit over .350 as the Raiders' third baseman his senior season — opted for Denison University. He didn't play there, however.

Contracting mononucleosis just before the start of his freshman season, Murray decided to transfer to Allegheny.

“Getting sick was only part of it,” he said. “I just wasn't comfortable at Denison. I felt like I wanted to come closer to home. I almost chose Allegheny originally ... It's definitely the right place for me.”

Murray hit only .196 — nine hits in 46 at bats — with a homer and six RBI in 25 games for the Gators last year. He started 13 of those games.

Despite his troubles, Allegheny reached the North Coast Athletic Conference championship game for the first time since 2001.

“Though he was a sophomore, last year was like a freshman year for Ben,” Swiney said. “It was his first taste of college ball, first look at collegiate pitching.

“There's an adjustment period that every hitter goes through that way.”

Consider Murray adjusted.

Through the Gators' first 18 games this year, he is hitting .313, already has more hits than all of last season, and leads the team with 15 RBI.

Murray was recently named Allegheny College Male Athlete of the Week after collecting three hits, two runs scored and five RBI in a win over 18th-ranked Mount Union.

“I think it was just a matter of settling in for me,” Murray said. “All I want is quality at bats, be patient at the plate and hit the ball hard.”

Murray had never played first base until arriving at Allegheny. He made his debut at the position last year and plays first base when ace pitcher Kyle Davis takes the mound. Davis is Allegheny's regular first baseman.

Murray has only committed one error so far this spring.

“That took some getting used to,” he admitted of playing first base. “It's a totally different dynamic than playing third. I've worked at it and I feel like I've gotten better.”

Swiney will second that notion.

“He's making all the plays over there,” the coach said.

Allegheny is 13-5 on the season, 3-1 in NCAC play, and has the conference championship in its sights.

“This is my sixth year and it's time to get over that hump,” Swiney said. “We've got good seniors, good depth and plenty of pitching. Everything is coming together.”

Murray's biggest goal is to help the Gators win that championship.

“Just continue to hit the ball gap to gap and keep a good approach at the plate,” he said. “I know my bat is my strong suit.

“I came into a good situation here. I'm just blessed to be here and all I want to do is help us get a conference title, get to the NCAA Tournament and do some damage there.”