SHS Volleyball finishes season with Senior Night win

Thursday, Nov. 6, was a wonderful finish to the season for the Lady Warriors. SHS honored their seniors for the final match of the season, and they won. Both JV and varsity beat the visiting Hatch Valley Lady Bears.

“Our win against Hatch was the perfect way to end the season and to celebrate our seniors on their final night. The energy in the gym was high, and the girls came out determined and hungry to win.” Head Coach Carmen Marquez said.

JV started out and won easily 2-0: 25-19 and 25-18. After the JV match, Socorro formally recognized the dedication of the two seniors playing on the team, Shiloh Rosas and Layla Lower. The seniors walked out onto the court with family members, received gifts and hugs from teammates. The school also honored and recognized the senior team manager, Lily Mae Webster, for all of her help during the season.

The first set of the varsity match was rough for the Lady Warriors as they tried to refocus on volleyball after the energy and emotions of the Senior Night activities.

The Lady Bears won that first set easily, 25-10. The Lady Warriors came charging back to take the second set 25-18 though, and the match was on.

The third set saw the Hatch team push back and win again, 25-14. Once again, Socorro was able to reset and refocus, and then win the fourth set 25-18. The Lady Warriors carried that momentum straight on through the final set to win it 15-9 and win the match 3-2.

“That’s why we play. That match right there was worth the whole season.” Assistant Coach Dennis Walsh said.

The Lady Warriors had been showing signs of greatness all season long, in bits and pieces. Throughout the season they worked on improving their mental and physical stamina to carry those successes through whole sets, and then through entire matches.

“I think our communication was good and our overall working as a team was really great.” Sophomore Sarah Walsh said.

Senior Shiloh Rosas was feeling the positive energy of the Senior Night and had additional thoughts on the key to their successes.

“For once it felt like we weren’t just playing as a team, we played as a family.” Rosas said.

The two seniors finished off the night with their sendoff spikes while teammates, coaches, families and dedicated fans cheered them on.

“We’re proud of our seniors and will miss them, but we also hope they take what they’ve learned this season, about teamwork, accountability, and perseverance, and carry those lessons with them beyond high school. Those are the most important things to take from sports, lessons that go far beyond the court.” Marquez said.

Marquez, her husband, Franklin, and her coaching team–Dennis Walsh, April Sandoval and Sophia Rosa–worked hard to change the environment and attitude around the team throughout the season. They are ready to put in even more work this offseason.

Marquez plans to keep the momentum they have going to hold open gym practices and sport-specific strength training opportunities throughout the off-season to prepare for next year.

“We have a bright future in Socorro volleyball. Big things are happening, and we’re just getting started.” Marquez said.