Women's Basketball: Rio Hondo qualifies for playoffs after win vs. SBVC

Prior to the win on Saturday, Rio Hondo honored its seven sophomores (left-right): Danna Robles, Bianca Garcia, Justine Manjarrez, Julissa Vargas, Alexis Hernandez, Ashley Rendon, and Raylene Olivares.
Prior to the win on Saturday, Rio Hondo honored its seven sophomores (left-right): Danna Robles, Bianca Garcia, Justine Manjarrez, Julissa Vargas, Alexis Hernandez, Ashley Rendon, and Raylene Olivares.

Just two days after its 86-79 upset win over visiting San Bernardino Valley College on Saturday, the Rio Hondo College women's basketball team received an at-large berth into the upcoming Southern California Regional Playoffs. On Monday, the Roadrunners were named the No. 19 seed and will travel to face No. 14 Pasadena City College in a first-round playoff game on Wednesday (Feb. 24) at 7 p.m.

Thanks to the big win on Saturday, Rio Hondo closed out the regular season with a 14-13 overall record and finished tied for second place in the Foothill Conference standings at 7-3. The Roadrunners are headed to the postseason for the first time under seventh-year head coach Steve Johnson.

Sophomore Danna Robles (Claremont HS) led Rio Hondo with 22 points in the victory over SBVC, including 14 points in the fourth quarter to pace the Roadrunners to the win. She came through in the clutch as she sank 6 of 8 free throws over the final 10 minutes after making just 1 of 6 in the first half.

Sophomore Ashley Rendon (Nogales HS) was nearly perfect in shooting, as she made 8 of 9 shots, including 3 of 4 from three-point range and 2 of 3 free throws on her way to 21 points. Sophomore Julissa Vargas (Claremont HS) added 16 points and sophomore Justine Manjarrez (Cantwell Sacred Heart HS) chipped in with 14 points.