RIO HONDO — Senior Abbie Alvarado is no stranger to playing catcher. She took on the position when she was just 12 years old and hasn’t looked back.
As a member of the Rio Hondo softball team, Alvarado has been behind the plate for the past four seasons and has directed traffic for different pitchers during those years.
“I first started playing catcher when our starting catcher got hurt, and my dad volunteered me to go out there and catch,” Alvarado said. “It took me awhile to get used to squatting, framing and throwing, but once I got used to it I really started enjoying it and I learned how to play the position well.”
Alvarado doesn’t shy away from the big stage, either, and has caught some of the best hurlers to come through Rio Hondo including Samantha Arrendondo, Jenny Flores and Miranda Martinez.
Last season she helped the Lady Cats reach the Region IV-4A final and had strong chemistry with Martinez and Flores.
A year later and her twin sister, Annie, now serves as the team’s ace while freshmen Domo De Jesus and Kelsey Pizarro have stepped in and helped build a solid rotation for the Lady Cats.
While De Jesus and Pizarro are in their first year, Annie has toed the rubber in big spots for the Lady Cats on several occasions. This combination of a veteran mixed in with youth has become a problem for opposing lineups.
The trio has combined for 168 strikeouts on the year, and against Robstown last week Annie tossed seven complete innings and struck out seven in Game 1 of their playoff series.
In Game 2, Pizarro threw a five-inning shutout, fanned five batters and yielded just three hits to close out the Lady Cotton Pickers.
“Having a rotation is something we strive for,” said Rio Hondo coach Brett Esparza. “The girls have had equal time in the circle and in big games. Domo threw against Port Isabel and threw in some tough tournaments. We brought Kelsey along slowly and we knew she would be an asset.
“As far as the twins (Annie and Abbie) go, they bring leadership to the staff and lead the way during bullpen sessions. They also do a great job with the younger girls.”
