For the Mountain Mail
The No. 4 Socorro Lady Warriors (10-3) racked up three wins in four days last week, beating Bernalillo, Ruidoso and Tohatchi. In the Ruidoso game, Socorro coach Joseph Garcia picked up his 350th career victory.
On Jan. 6, Socorro won at Bernalillo 79-37 as Roxanne Silva came within two points of setting the school record for points in a game. Silva had 31 points at halftime and finished with 45.
“Roxanne had another one of her stellar games,” Garcia said. “The school record si 47 points, but she ended with 45. I told her she missed five free throws and 13 shots so if you make one free throw and one of those shots, there’s your school record.”
Garcia was quick to add the other girls contributed in other ways.
“Brittany McDaniel had seven assists. Tristen peralta had six assists. Jaden Jones had 11 points and seven rebounds. Kianna Gonzales had five assists and four rebounds. Samantha Sedillo had four steals, three assists and six rebounds. So the core of all the girls are contributing and bringing something to the table. Overall, we played really well.”
At halftime, Socorro led 45-27, giving up only 11 points in the first quarter. Socorro’s defense got even stingier in the second halftime, allowing just 10 points.
On Jan. 8, Socorro was back home and defeated Ruidoso 64-54. Ruidoso’s size and height posted a challenge for Socorro. Four of Ruidoso’s starters were taller than Silva, who stands at 5-foot-9.
Silva and Gonzales, though, proved no match for Ruidoso. Gonzales made four three-point shots in the first half to open up things inside for Silva. With its press and hot shooting, Socorro led 34-21 at halftime.
Silva carried the team offensively in the second half, scoring 17 of her game-high 28 points. Gonzales finished with six three-pointers for 18 points and point guard Tristen Peralta had 12 assists, one off the school record.
“Ruidoso was real tough anda big team to match up with,” Garcia said. “We didn’t turn the ball over too much. It was a good test and victory for us.”
Gabby Smith led Ruidoso with 11 points and Abrianna Herrera added 10.
On Jan 9, Socorro defeated Tohatchi 77-52 at home. Silva and Gonzalez provided the majority of the scoring for the Lady Warriors. Silva scored 37 points, 21 rebounds and eight steals and was 17 of 24 from the field. Gonzales added 21 points and Brittany McDaniel contributed nine points and nine assists.
Jasmine Begay led Tohatchi with 19 points and Trinity Largie added 10 points.
“We shot 53 percent,” Garcia said. “Kianna is playing real well right now and Brittany had another game too.”
Silva broke the school career rebounding record, breaking Audra Major’s mark of 1,175 rebounds. Silva now has 1,194 rebounds. She also holds the school mark for points and steals.
“Roxanne still has a half a season left to make these records almost unreachable,” Garcia said.
And what of his 350th victory?
“It proves over time we are a good road team,” Garcia said. “We’re consistent. We have good players and good assistant coaches who are dedicated to the program. I’ve been fortunate to have this for 20 years of coaching.”
Socorro, which played Ruidoso Wednesday night, will travel to Albuquerque to play in the Hope Tournament Jan. 14-16. Socorro plays at 3 p.m. against Mora High School. If they will play, they will play at 3 p.m. on Jan. 15 against the winner of the third-ranked Santa Fe Indian School and Tohatchi.
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