Kierra and Alayna Laranjo umpire together and also coach together for the Under-12 Collar City Fastpitch softball program based at Troy’s Spring Little League fields.

When the crew of Alayna and Kierra Laranjo take the field, an extensive combination of playing, coaching and USA Umpire experience is behind them.

And the mom and daughter duo have each other’s backs in more ways than one. From a daughter who calls her mom her “best friend” to a mom who’s nickname in her phone contacts for her daughter is “Mini Me,” the bonds are strong.

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“If we are working together as umpires we have a blast together and I can ask if I called something wrong or just ask for advice in general,” Kierra Laranjo said of her mom. “Then later on our ride home I can ask her about anything during the game that I was confused about.”

The feeling is mutual.

“I don’t overrule her, but we have discussions and learning opportunities which work both ways because I don’t remember the whole (rule) book myself,” Alayna Laranjo said. “We have great conversations about games and calls. It’s great to both grow........

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