The Rio Hondo women’s tennis team got a strong win versus Long Beach City College on March 3 with a final score of 9-0. The team currently has an overall record of 2-6. This is only their second win of the season, but the Lady Roadrunners showed exactly what they’re capable of against LBCC as they mercilessly shut out their opponent.

The match started off well for Rio Hondo, winning their first three sets. The team didn’t let up there either as they continued to dominate and extend on their lead as the match progressed.

When asked what it was that fueled the team’s success that afternoon, coach Karen Unger said, “Their motivation to push on, and not give up is key to their successes.” Determination is essential to victory.

Part of that determination was clearly seen when Alejandra Vasquez was asked if her opponents’ wildly hard-hitting serves were a cause for concerns, to which she replied, “I think she’s just frustrated”.

With confidence like this and creative foot work that you might expect to see from a trickster street-style basketball player, it should come as no surprise that Vasquez has only lost one set so far this year. Her creativity kept her opponents guessing at what would come next.

Nicole Robbins won both of her singles and doubles matches. And again Unger’s words rang true, as Robbins fought for every point when attacking the net. She did this by hammering precision shots and maintaining pressure on her LBCC Viking opponents.

As Robbins readied herself upon her opponents serve, she crouched low with fierce focus and anticipation of every move of both the ball and her adversary. Robbins played a well-thought out game, as she took every advantage to wear out her opponent. She did so with thunderously fast shots that forced her opponent to run to every corner of the court and back.

As vigorous as the Lady Roadrunners played, the Vikings did not go down easily, but they did go down without a point. The final score was 9-0 in favor of RHC.

The endurance of the Lady Roadrunners showed as they played with recovering injuries and added some new negligible ones. After the singles matches, knees needed fresh wraps and tape but nothing of serious concern.

The only other injury was due to a rogue bug that flew into Diana Laureano’s eye, causing her only slight discomfort. She had to momentarily abandon her doubles partner, who graciously welcomed the challenge of playing with the disadvantage.

After seeing the variety of skills and styles that the team possesses, it is hard to believe that this is only their second win of the season.  This victory was much needed, since their previous game was a shut out against Cerritos College, who they will face again near the end of this month.

By the looks of it, the Lady Roadrunners have made the proper adjustments as they look to turn around their season. Rio Hondo will next face El Camino Community College at home on March 10.