WHITTIER – Rosalie Avalos came off the bench to score 18 points to lead Rio Hondo College in a 70-62 non-conference loss to visiting Victor Valley College on Wednesday.

The Rams jumped out to a 17-11 lead after the first quarter before Rio Hondo battled its way back to tie up the contest, 31-31, after a pair of free throws by Avalos at the 9:08 mark in the second. But VVC responded with a 10-2 run to pull ahead for good. Victor Valley led 52-44 at halftime.

Avalos added 7 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists to her impressive all-around game. Tiah Sherman scored 14 points, Michelle Rachmat contributed 10 points, and Jiselle Cabrera chipped in with 9 points.

With the loss, Rio Hondo fell to 11-9 overall. The Roadrunners are back in action on Jan. 20 when they travel to East Los Angeles College for their South Coast Conference North Division opener. Opening tip is scheduled for 5 p.m.