Morgan Nandin and Jasmine Watson stood side by side after a 16-15 loss to Seton Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Although Syracuse’s gallant comeback effort had fallen just short in its final at-bat, recounting their past together gave the women a reason to smile.

Watson, a junior first baseman from Irvine, Calif., made a life-changing move when she traded the California sun for the cold confines of Central New York. Nandin, a senior shortstop from North Syracuse, N.Y., made an easier decision to stay in the environment in which she grew up.

Regardless of their different paths, a common love of softball has united the players as two of Syracuse’s (17-24, 5-9 Big East) steady leaders. While the Orange has struggled at times since the start of conference play, Nandin and Watson are relishing in their final opportunity to play together. The shortstop and first baseman have become inseparable, which has paid noticeable dividends for SU this season.

“Jasmine and Morgan keep things light and fun,” head coach Leigh Ross said. “We work so hard out here and it’s easy to start thinking this is work, but those two keep it just light enough. They are silly together, but are also passionate and love the game. It’s the perfect balance.”

The physical attributes Nandin and Watson bring to the team are easy to see. Nandin is the team’s defensive anchor with a suction-cup glove, cannon-like arm and an unprecedented will to make every play. Watson provides versatility in the field, as well as the ability to change the game at a moment’s notice with her signature power stroke.

But Ross speaks of a collective effect rooted in something much bigger than softball.

It all started in Watson’s sophomore season when she would sleep at at Nandin’s apartment before games. That’s when they developed a morning ritual. Watson slept in while Nandin made eggs, Nandin straightened her hair after cooking, then Watson braided it while they talked about the game ahead.

“I have always called Jaz my big little sister,” Nandin said. “Obviously, I’m so tiny, but she’s my baby and I have always been there for her. It has become nice to know that someone is always there to calm the nerves of playing.”

Now they’re roommates, and their dependency on each other persists. Nandin said Watson is one of the few people to ever see her “weird” side, and Watson said Nandin is the responsible one that keeps her on track.

Not much has changed since their friendship took off two years ago, except Nandin now prefers to make breakfast for one.

“Morgan likes these gourmet breakfasts and I always wake up late and try and get her to make me some,” Watson said. “Usually, she stays strong and I just end up eating cereal. Nothing’s changed though, we still prepare for games together.”

Stepping between the white lines doesn’t diminish their chemistry — it makes it even stronger. As two-thirds of the team’s captaining trio, they are often tasked with encouraging the team when energy is at a premium, and use each other to get that job done.

Ross refers to Watson as the team’s glue and Nandin as its humble leader. By constantly communicating on the field, they combine to help the Orange to victory and lead it through emotional turmoil, as well.

“We can communicate just by looking at each other,” Watson said. “When we are across the field, we can’t really talk, but I can give her one of our secret cues that say, ‘We really need to pick it up.’”

The Orange will wrap up conference play in the next two weeks, and has aspirations to play in the Big East conference tournament. Regardless of how SU finishes this season, time isn’t slowing down and Nandin’s collegiate career will soon come to a close.

When asked about Nandin’s impending departure from the program, Watson turned to Nandin and said, “We’ll have to get lunch, Morgan.”

Nandin, who will leave leadership duties to her “big little sister,” is confident Watson can continue to carry the torch in her absence.

“She has a big heart, and any problem I’ve ever had, I’ve gone straight to her,” Nandin said. “She has been a rock in my life and she will continue to help the program in the future. I’m sure of that.”

Published on April 22, 2013 at 11:09 pm

Contact Jesse: jcdoug01@syr.edu | @dougherty_jesse