Wednesday, Oct. 10, Rio Hondo College lost to the Pasadena City College Lancers in three sets, continuing the Lady Roadrunners rough season.

The loss comes after a win against Mt. San Antonio and a narrow defeat against Chaffey College earlier this month. Rio head coach Teddi Esko said she was unhappy with her team’s performance against the Lancers.

“I don’t know if we overshot our confidence, but we lacked it overall,” Esko said. “When PCC stepped out, we really started battling. We didn’t respond.”

El Paisano sports editor Ignacio Cervantes said 85 percent of the team is in its first season of community college athletics. Esko made clear that age or experience are not enough to keep the team down.

“There are a couple players who have progressed nicely [and] responded well to the world of college versus high school club,” Esko said. “But I think it has impacted us negatively in some ways. Case in point, tonight.”

The Lady Roadrunners have been facing an uphill battle since the season started, with two losses right out of the gate. The team’s record right now is 4-11. Esko seemed confident they could turn that record around before the season ends.

“If you look at our stats, our passing percentage [was] .270,” Esko said. “Our goal is to be .250 to .350. So, we’re in that range that’s putting up something we can work with.”

Coach Esko did not share her plan of action going into the next match against East Los Angeles College tomorrow, Oct. 17. With the reality check of Wednesday’s game, the Lady Roadrunners will have to bring a different attitude for tomorrow. Whether that mentality will carry on through the rest of the season remains to be seen. First serve is set for 6 p.m. with Rio Hondo hosting.