Socorro surpasses 2022 win total in four matches

Socorro Libero Jayden Kayser (16) put her war face on when Socorro battled against Robertson.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

Socorro rattled off wins against quality volleyball teams as the Lady Warriors improved their record to 3-1 with victories against Robertson and Deming last week.

First-year head coach Jaden Jones has already topped last year’s two-win mark, and Socorro’s improved positive attitude is proving to be more than lip service.

I was a little surprised, but I’ve seen the potential this team has since last year, and I think now we’re working through the kinks. The girls are finally starting to see it themselves. I’m just so proud of how they have come along,” Jones said.

Jones is proud because of things like Tamra Fowler, Davaeh Murrietta, Jaylin Gonzales, Lila Azar, and Kanya Acosta, an interchangeable and formidable front line that produced 19 kills against Deming.

Another reason for the success is Jones is getting the most out of her players, with Kaedyn Gonzalez notching a 27.3 ace percentage.

Libero Kayden Kayser floored six digs, and Lady Warriors Murrietta, Gonzales and Azar matched her totals.

If there’s any hitch in Socorro’s game, it’s the need to remain consistent, and a lack of communication sometimes causes players to get into each other’s way due to a lack of “I got it” declaration.

“We are still working on our communication and playing like a team,” Jones said. “They didn’t get down on themselves. They didn’t get down on each other — they were helping each other out. I’m happy that we played like a team. That’s how we win.”

After the Lady Warriors defeated Robertson on Aug. 29, Murrietta shared her thoughts on Socorro’s victory.

“We had some great ball handling, but our communication wasn’t great, but we will get better at that. We got some good hits, good passes, good sets. We had a little bit of a rough time at first with the calls, but we got the hang of it. And now we’re just going to get better and better. We’ll get more consistent with practice, practice, practice,” Murrietta said.