Haughs do their best sister act with Grapevine softball

Sibling rivalry takes place in almost every household. It’s normal for siblings to compete and try to best one another.

But at Grapevine, Cynthia and Abby Haugh would rather not fight, but help one another – something they displayed this past season as the two led the Lady Mustangs to a playoff appearance.

“We give each other pointers regularly because we both want to help each other be the best players we can be,” said the younger Abby, who enters her second year of high school this month.

“There’s no rivalry, but we like to push each other competitively to help improve our game.”

The Lady Mustangs finished 2015 with the third seed in District 6-5A to clinch their sixth playoff berth in the past nine seasons. They ended the year with a bi-district loss to White Settlement Brewer.

The older Cynthia, a senior, led Grapevine in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.569), home runs (five), RBI (40), hits (33) and triples (six). She struck out just three times in 58 plate appearances.

Abby was right behind her with a .468 average, 35 RBI, 29 hits, and 32 runs. They tied for a team-high six doubles.

“I don’t really think we have a sibling rivalry. Abby and I play different positions in high school, but have the same goals – work hard for our team and have fun,” Cynthia said.

Abby finished up her fifth year in the sport while playing baseball prior to softball, and Cynthia went through her sixth. Baseball and softball run through the Haugh family.

“My family has always liked baseball and softball, so I began playing and have enjoyed it ever since,” Abby said.

“Our family has always loved the two sports so it seemed fun,” Cynthia added. “I’ve stuck with it this long because I have made a lot of great friends and have grown to love softball.”

On Grapevine, Abby is a utility player, but primarily plays outfield and at times takes to the mound. She earned second-team all-district honors in 2015 while Cynthia earned District Catcher of the Year. Cynthia also plays first and third base and has won the team MVP award two years in a row.

Despite being so close, this past season was the first time the two sisters played on the same team. With one more year left before Cynthia graduates, the two are having the most fun playing together.

“It’s been really cool, we have had a lot of fun together,” Abby said.

What’s even more cool is that both Haughs were named to the Star-Telegram softball super team. Cynthia earned first-team catcher and Abby was named second-team outfield.

“It was pretty awesome,” Cynthia said. “I’m very proud to have accomplished that together.”

“We were both really excited,” Abby added.

Their 75 RBI this past season accounted for 43 percent of Grapevine’s runs (176). Abby attributes her successful freshman year to her sister.

“Cynthia has always been someone I could look up to and be challenged by,” she said.

“We always have each other’s backs and we are always willing to help each other,” Cynthia added. “I am proud to be playing with her.”

Have each other’s backs is right. Any time one gets into it with an opposing player, the other is right there supporting the other, whether it’s an argument or getting hit by a pitch.

“It has happened plenty of times. We always end up laughing about it,” Cynthia said.

“I would laugh a little, but I would want her to be OK,” Abby added.

Cynthia is still undecided on a college, but once she leaves Abby, her advice to her little sister is to always have fun and never take the game for granted.

“When that time comes, I wish her the best of luck,” Abby said. “I know she won’t need it – she is going to do great in college.”

Both girls look up to one another along with family, friends and coaches who have helped them to get where they are – and with one year left for Cynthia, she’s not going to lie, she’s sad that it will be the last with Abby.

“It’s pretty sad, but I know that we will make this year count and we will end my high school career together with a bang,” she said.

“I wish we would have been able to play more years together, but I know we will make the most out of this last season together,” Abby added.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 2:42 AM with the headline "Haughs do their best sister act with Grapevine softball."