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Hobbton soccer team pays tribute to slain teammate

A Sampson County soccer team fell silent for 10 minutes Thursday night before its final home game to honor a 13-year-old teammate who was shot to death by her father in December.

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NEWTON GROVE, N.C. — A Sampson County soccer team fell silent for 10 minutes Thursday night before its final home game to honor a 13-year-old teammate who was shot to death by her father in December.

The Hobbton Wildcats girl's soccer team called it the "silent 10," a fitting tribute for Larissa Estrada, who wore that number on her jersey. Estrada's family, many of whom traveled from Nicaragua for Thursday's game, said the teen excelled on the soccer field, and that the number 10 will always have special significance for them. 

Following the silence, the crowd erupted into rousing cheers.

Edwin Estrada said he was touched by the team's tribute.

"We didn't know how much family we had until this happened," he said. "It does to show how important my sister was to these people and how important these people have become to us."

Investigators say Estrada died Dec. 9, two days after being shot by her father before he turned the gun on himself.

Angelica Rodriguez tearfully said she would always remember Estrada's smile.

"She was an amazing friend," Rodriguez said.

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