Co-captains of their own destiny

Pasco's hopes for a winning season hinge on the play and leadership of two juniors, third baseman Alavia Madani and catcher Nicole Norris.

By STEVE LEE

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 20, 2000

DADE CITY -- Jim Ward smiles at the thought of Nicole Norris and Alavia Madani coming to him last September seeking permission to lead the Pirates.

"They came together," Ward said of his co-captains. "It made me feel good, because I was going to do it anyway. I was hoping they would step up and they did."

Norris, a catcher, and Madani, a third baseman who is playing first until Kelli Pugh recovers from an illness, often think alike. Last year, for example, they combined for a handful of successful pickoff plays at third -- all without speaking a word.

"I would give Nicole a signal (for a pickoff throw) and Alavia knew it was coming(," Ward said. "They just know."

Defense like that and consistent hitting from Pasco's leaders are what Ward is counting on to turn things around for the Pirates, who have won 12 games the past two seasons.

Ward envisions a 15-plus win season and knows Norris and Madani need to play key roles for that to happen. Both are juniors and third-year starters on a team with only one senior, outfielder Stephanie Branch.

"When I need something done, I can look to the two of them and they'll take care of it," said Ward, who has entrusted Norris and Madani to oversee batting practice while he worked with his pitchers, freshman Mindy Mitchell and sophomore Kelly Kato.

Though his pitchers are relatively inexperienced at the varsity level, Ward has faith in Norris' ability to call safe pitches and keep Mitchell and Kato out of trouble.

"She's a good student of the game and can see things happening," Ward said. "She knows (opposing batters') strengths and weaknesses. She knows that if the batter likes it inside, she'll make sure the pitch is outside. She knows to work away from the batter's strength."

Ward is equally confident in Madani's skill as an infielder.

"She's not scared of the ball," he said of Madani, who prefers to field grounders at third base. "To play the hot corners, you've got to be able to walk up and know that they're going to cram it down your throat, and still make the play.

"It doesn't matter (whether Ward lines Madani up at third of first). I feel comfortable wherever I have her. The reason I moved her over to first while Pugh is out is because I needed a strong glove and I knew she had it."

Norris, who will bat third, and Madani, penciled in at fifth, are being relied on for offense as well.

In a preseason game against Hardee, Norris had two triples. In an 11-10 win over Crystal River on Feb. 15, Madani had two doubles among three hits and drove in five runs.

Another quality Ward likes in his co-captains is their optimism.

"When somebody makes a mistake, they don't jump the girl's case," Ward said. "They say, "Leave it. You'll get them next time.' "

In that regard, Ward said Norris and Madani are following his lead.

"I try to stress, "Learn from your mistakes. You'll get better,' " he said.

Winning isn't Norris' only motive for improving her game and helping her teammates.

"I want to play softball when I'm in college and maybe past that," Norris said.

If Norris and Madani help Pasco go from a losing record to a winning one,both might be able to continue their careers.

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