WALNUT – For the second consecutive match, the Rio Hondo College women's volleyball team took down the state's No. 10-ranked team.
Coming off a 3-1 upset win over previous No. 10 Pasadena City College on Friday, this week's new No. 10, Mt. San Antonio College, faced the same fate.
But it wasn't easy. With their backs to the wall, the Roadrunners erased a 2-1 deficit to shock the Mounties 25-23, 17-25, 17-25, 25-18, 15-10 and hand them their first South Coast Conference loss of the season. Mt. SAC fell to 14-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play.
Rio Hondo head coach Teddi Esko is ecstatic with the play of her squad this season
"Our team played with such heart and grit tonight," Esko said. "We stuck to our game plan, had a strong belief system, and executed a great match. I'm beyond proud of our team, this is a special group and we are ready to continue this awesome season. The sky is the limit!"
Freshman Maria Bejines totaled a season-high 16 kills in the win. Five of those came in the deciding fifth set, including a booming kill to the back right corner that sealed the Rio Hondo victory and set off the celebration.
Bejines added 6 digs and totaled 5 blocks on the night.
Sophomore Faith Wada put together another solid match, leading Rio Hondo with 22 assists, 18 digs, and 5 aces. Sophomore Nadine Oronoz added 12 kills and 11 digs.
The Roadrunners were outstanding on defense as they totaled 80 digs. Daniela Sanchez and Jaida Zuniga both contributed 11 digs each, Faith Lee chipped in with 9 digs, and Haedee Estrella had 7.
With the win, Rio Hondo improved to 8-5 overall and 5-2 in South Coast Conference play. The Roadrunners have won eight of their last 10 matches and are currently tied for second place in the SCC, just one match behind conference-leading Mt. SAC at 6-1.
With their hot stretch and consecutive upset wins, Rio Hondo should likely make an appearance among the state's top-25 in next week's California Community College Women's Volleyball Coaches Association (CCCWVCA) rankings.
Rio Hondo will take a break from conference play to host College of the Desert in a non-conference match next Wednesday (Oct. 26) at 5 p.m.
