The Rio Hondo Women’s basketball team has gotten off on the right foot this pre-season winning four out of their first five games.

“We are enjoying some early success as a whole,” head coach Steve Johnson said.

Rio Hondo College had a three game winning streak where they defeated Heedley college, Taft college and Allan Hancock before, unfortunately, were dealt their first loss in a thrilling game against LA Harbor, where the game finished 79-73.

The game was 34-32 in favor of LA Harbor by halftime and in an exciting third and fourth quarter, both teams managed to score 45-41 points each team respectively.

The Lady Roadrunners managed to bounce back in their following game against Desert College where they trounced them 72-49, showing that they can deal with a loss and come back stronger.

Racquel Romero led the Lady Roadrunners with 12 points and 10 assists, freshman Ashley Rendon led the game with nine rebounds.

The Lady Roadrunners finished third in the San Diego Mesa Tournament.

Captain Bianca Garcia, leads the team in points per game with 14.7.

Coach Steve Johnson acknowledged the good performances from his freshman guards.

“Several players are stepping up and reaching their potential such as Freshman Guard Ashely Rendon who made the All Tournament team in the San Diego Mesa Tournament and freshman guard/post Alexis Hernandez who had a great tournament showing, scoring in double digits.”

The Lady Roadrunners have also been busy off the court, and participated in a community service event on Nov. 16.

Coach Johnson’s Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, hosted an annual Thanksgiving Food Give Away event in Watts where Johnson and his team fed the homeless and less fortunate prior to the holidays.

“Since becoming the coach here at Rio Hondo College, I have had my teams participate which allows them to give back and learn that they are here to do more than just play basketball.  While at the event, the team was able to put some smiles on the faces of little girls and families,” Johnson said.

The Rio Hondo Women’s Basketball team now stands with a record of 4-1 in preseason.

The Lady Roadrunners next preseason game is against Palomar College in the Orange Coast Crossover Tournament on Friday, Nov. 21 followed by Orange Coast College on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Coach Johnson is looking forward to the upcoming tournament.

“These two games will be a challenge for us but I expect us to play well and for more players to step up to the challenge.”