Mother-daughter bond strengthens on the softball field

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The love between a mother and a daughter is special.

Lexi Sandoval and her mother, Lizette, have a unique bond that extends to the softball field.

“She's the person I go to for advice or if I need anything. She knows me on a personal level," said Lexi Sandoval, Harlingen South Senior Pitcher. “I think I've always been a mom's girl."

Like mother like daughter, Lexi following Lizette’s footsteps, as a pitcher.

“My whole family's always involved with softball, and I'm just glad that they put me in it, and we just kept the tradition going,” said Lexi.

Both of their worlds were forever changed when Lizette was diagnosed with cervical cancer last June.

“[I] broke down. But it all comes down to realizing that it's something that happens and the only thing to do is to fight,” said Lizette Sandoval.

Lizette fights every day. Despite it all she still shows up to Lexi’s games.

“I love watching her play because I know that she gives it all her all 100% each and every time, her determination, her will to fight for her team, is what makes me love to go out to the game,” said Lizette.

“Seeing her there and knowing what she's going through, it puts my fight more into the game for her, like, I'm gonna win for her,” said Lexi.

Lizette’s battle is bringing out the best in the community, her friends, family, and the Harlingen South softball team.

“I automatically broke down crying to see them, you know, with how much you know, love and support they have for me, and not just for me, for Lexi as well,” said Lizette.

The Sandoval family and the Harlingen South community have one response to cancer: Fight.