PITCHER TAKES ON DUTY TO HAVE FUN; SOFTBALL SEMIFINALS A KICK FOR BALL.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Daily News Staff Writer

It wasn't so much a revelation as it was a conclusion.

Confused after an average junior year and weary of the burden softball had become, Camarillo High pitcher Cindy Ball came to a determination that would make her senior year a memorable one.

If she wanted to enjoy softball as she had as a sophomore, her disposition needed to improve.

``I just wanted to have fun again,'' Ball said. ``That had been missing.''

Consider it back. Due partially to her own accomplishments - Ball is throwing as well as she did two years ago - but mainly the result of the team's success, Ball is, for lack of a better term, having a ball this year.

And so are the Scorpions.

Behind a mellower Ball, and equally talented pitcher Kathryn Nevard, Camarillo has advanced to the Southern Section Division I semifinals. The Scorpions play Mater Dei today at 3:15 p.m. at Foothill High.

Ball and Nevard have becomeone of the top pitching tandems in Southern California, alternating on a game-to-game basis in coach Miki Mangan's rotation. Ball is 12-1 with an ERA of 0.80. She has 107 strikeouts in 95-2/3 innings. Nevard is 9-4 with an ERA of 0.39 and has 98 strikeouts in 90-1/3 innings.

It's uncommon in softball for two pitchers to share duties. Usually teams have one starting pitcher who carries the load. In fact, even when a club has more than one effective pitcher, coaches will avoid a rotation so they don't ruin either's confidence.

In Camarillo's case, the system works because Nevard and Ball accept the situation. It helps that they're also close friends.

``First of all, you can't argue with what the coach wants,'' said Nevard, a sophomore. ``But also, we like each other. If Cindy does well, I'm happy. If I do good, I know she's happy for me.''

If Mangan stays true to form, Nevard gets the call against Mater Dei. Even though Ball tossed a no-hitter against explosive Highland last Thursday, it's Nevard's turn in the circle. And that's fine with Ball, who likely will play right field to keep her bat in the lineup. The two pitchers share many of the same traits, although they're different in some respects.

Ball, a senior, could always overpower opponents with her fastball. Over the last two years she's fine tuned her offspeed pitches and focus to become a well-rounded pitcher. She also improved her outlook this winter by emphasizing fun over anxiety. In the past, she let little things affect her performance. Now she lets her performance take care of everything.

``I just go out there as relaxed as possible and pitch,'' Ball said. ``I try not to think of anything other than that.''

Nevard throws hard and hits her spots, but what really sets her apart is her low-key demeanor.

``Everybody makes mistakes, that's just going to happen,'' Nevard said. ``You just have to move on. I know that as long as I pitch my game, I'll be OK.''

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PHOTO Behind the collective efforts of Kathryn Nevard, left, and Cindy Ball, Camarillo High has advanced to today's section semifinals.

Tina Gerson/Daily News