KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
Both Rio Hondo and Harlingen South are alive and well in the softball playoffs as both teams will have a shot at the Sweet 16 this weekend.
While the clubs will be on different fields, there will be a family connection between the Lady Hawks and Lady Bobcats.
While the two might not wear the same school colors or be on the same team, Rio Hondo sophomore Domo De Jesus and junior Kelsey Rivera of Harlingen South are cousins that have grown up together and grew up playing softball.
“We grew up together,” Rivera said. “We grew up always fighting and being real hectic, but it is like a sister bond that we have and a sister-type of fighting.”
De Jesus and Rivera began playing softball at age 4 and were able to play together on the same team growing up. It wasn’t until high school when Rivera went to South and De Jesus wound up in Rio Hondo.
“We text each other good luck messages on game days,” De Jesus said. “We haven’t done it as much lately, but we know we always support each other and always keep each other in the loop.”
Both have had their big moments during their careers and have supported each other along the way.
Last season, De Jesus drove in the winning run in the area round and Rivera was right there cheering on De Jesus.
The very next day Rivera took the field and was a part of a walkoff win and to no surprise, De Jesus was right there supporting her cousin.
“Domo was interviewed the night before my game and the next day, I was interviewed that next day,” Rivera said. “I remember taking pictures of her getting interviewed and she did the same for me. This game and us playing is embedded in our family it is a lifestyle.”
“We are all together as one family, when one of us plays in Corpus we will all go and watch each other when we can,” De Jesus added. “I even wear her fan shirts to school and I’ll get heat from it, but its fun.”
Both De Jesus and Rivera even wear the same No. 10, giving life to their saying ‘Reppin’ the 10.’ Though it wasn’t by design.
“I didn’t get 10 because of Kelsey, I got it because the number 11 was already taken so I picked 10,” De Jesus said.
“I have always worn the number 10,” Rivera added. “My mom worn 10 and my brother wore the same number when he played here at South.”
Both Harlingen South and Rio Hondo will begin their best-of-three series this weekend with the Lady ’Cats taking on Sinton Friday night at 7 p.m. and Harlingen South traveling to PSJA North for a 7:30 p.m. matchup.