The Rio Hondo College softball team is nearing the halfway point of what has been a tough season so far. This past week, they lost at home against Pasadena City College 6-3. They also started conference play splitting their first matchup against San Bernardino Valley. The team is currently 4-13 in the season.

The Lady Roadrunners had a non-conference home game on Feb. 24 hosting Pasadena City College, a strong team from the South Coast Conference who came in holding a 7-5 record. Rio Hondo would fall behind quickly, trailing 2-0 after the first inning. The Lady Roadrunners would then dig an even deeper hole, falling behind 5-1 in the middle of the fifth inning.

Rio Hondo responded with a strong fifth inning, with runs batted in by sophomore Julianna Fierro and freshman Victoria Diaz.

However, this late push would prove to be too little too late as they failed to close out the game and ultimately fell 6-3. Pitcher Brenae Martinez struggled that afternoon, allowing 10 hits and three earned runs.

Following a tough loss, the Lady Roadrunners started play in the Foothill Conference and traveled to San Bernardino Valley College for a double header Feb. 26. In game one, the Lady Roadrunners struggled offensively, only totaling three hits throughout the game. Krystal Vega went two for two to lead Rio Hondo at the plate. Pitcher Brenae Martinez had a strong performance, allowing just five hits and one earned run, despite the loss. The Lady Roadrunners lost the first game 3-0.

In the second game of the double header Rio Hondo had a stronger start, scoring three runs at the top of the first. San Bernardino responded some time after by rallying in the fifth inning with three runs to cut the Lady Roadrunners’ lead to 4-3, though Rio Hondo would show composure and close out the game winning 5-3.

Esthefany Martinez led Rio Hondo at the plate going two for two. Pitcher Brenae Martinez had a solid performance allowing seven hits and only three earned runs.

The Lady Roadrunners kick off play in the Foothill Conference with a 1-1 record.

Rio Hondo will travel to Santa Ana on Feb. 29 for a non-conference road game, then will continue conference play at Barstow on Mar. 2.