Lady Warriors first, Warriors second after first day of state golf tournament

Both of Socorro High School’s golf teams are in a dog fight at the Class 3A state tournament on the campus of New Mexico Tech after the first day of competition, with the Lady Warriors in first place and the Warriors in second.

The three-time defending state champion Lady Warriors are facing a fierce challenge from Texico, which is led by the individual tournament leader Liz Elam, who fired an impressive 88 (to pace her team to a 412 score.

The Lady Warriors are in front by nine strokes (403), with Arianne Crespin shooting a current second-place score of 92. Natasha Apodaca carded a 96 (4th), followed by Abbegail Munguia 106, Kailyn Woods 109, and Avery Timmons 116.

The action among the boys is expected to be red hot on Tuesday after Mesilla Valley senior Riley Morris shot a 75 to lead the way. Still, Socorro freshman sensation Isaiah Silva is a serious challenge after shooting a 77.

Andrew Handrich turned in an 83, followed by Ian Gonzales 86, Tavin Benavidez 96 and Andrew Moellenbrock 103.

The Warriors are in second place, and (342) have some ground to make up, with Mesilla Valley’s combined score of 329 leading the way, while St. Michael’s is third with a 437 score.