Lady Warriors hampered by roster reduction

Kayana Acosta beats a blocker at the net.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain photos

The road has been very tough on Socorro volleyball, and the loss of four players, including three starters, has only made things rougher on the Lady Warriors, who dropped matches to Hatch Valley and Cobre last week.

Just as things looked like they might be turning around, coach Christie Chavez had to face rebuilding her starting unit, and the Lady Warriors’ most recent matches have been a roller-coaster of all-most.

Tamra Fowler (2) laces a ball through defenders for a kill.

Down 9-2 against Hatch, Socorro came roaring back with seven straight points, but consistency and lack of communication continued to inhibit play.

“You know, a lot of these girls have so much heart. It’s just frustrating because they’re so talented. They don’t give up,” Chavez said.

The problem is trying to put together an offense that has been taken apart and is being rebuilt late in the season after four players decided to leave the team.

“Well, I think our biggest adjustment is being able to gel as a team, trusting in your teammates, and that comes with playing the game longer, and sometimes there are a few of our players that just don’t get it that to win games we need to play as a team. We need to focus on the positive, not stay focused on the negative,” Chavez said.

What’s the goal for the season’s nightcap?

“I would just like them to have fun,” Chavez said. “Many of them are not having fun with the game anymore. They’re losing the love for the game, which breaks my heart because you’re not going to play well.”

The final-match roster will include Tivonne Anaya, Tamra Fowler, Kayana Acosta, Camren Paz, Kaylee Hall, Lila Azar, Kaedyn Gonzalez, Jayden Kayser, Amy Martinez, Reyna Alvarado and Marissa Scates.