WHITTIER – For the first time in Rio Hondo College program history, the Roadrunners are South Coast Conference women's volleyball champions. No. 12 state-ranked Rio Hondo wrapped up an outright 2023 conference title with Wednesday's epic five-set victory at home over El Camino College.

The Roadrunners stormed out to take the opening set 25-16 before El Camino rallied to take the next two 25-23, and 25-19. But with their backs to the wall, Rio Hondo responded with a marathon 29-27 win in the fourth before cruising 15-7 in the final to wrap up the match win and secure the SCC championship.

It marks Rio Hondo's first conference title since 1995 when the college was a member of the Foothill Conference.

Rio Hondo head coach Teddi Esko was extremely proud of her team's determination.

"I'm so proud of this team, they played with such grit," Esko said. "This team has the mental and physical stamina to power through to win, despite the challenges and pressure. Our belief system is so high, it's truly helped us battle out of binds."

The Roadrunners had already secured at least a share of the South Coast Conference title with Friday's homecoming win over Los Angeles Harbor College. Rio Hondo downed the Seahawks by scores of 25-14, 25-13, and 25-17.

With Wednesday's victory, Rio Hondo improved to 19-4 overall and 14-1 in South Coast Conference play. The Roadrunners close out the regular season on Friday (Nov. 10) when they host Long Beach City College in a 6 p.m. match.

That will be followed by the Southern California Regional Playoffs. The first round gets underway on Nov. 18.