Women's Soccer: Rio Hondo remains unbeaten after 2-1 win at Ventura

Sophomore Erika Lizarraga battles for possession in Rio Hondo's 2-1 win at Ventura College. (Photo by VC Athletics)
Sophomore Erika Lizarraga battles for possession in Rio Hondo's 2-1 win at Ventura College. (Photo by VC Athletics)

The Rio Hondo College women's soccer team continued its unbeaten start to the season thanks to a 2-1 non-conference victory at Ventura College on Tuesday. The Roadrunners are 3-0-2 overall with just one non-conference game left on the 2016 schedule.

Sophomore Erika Lizarraga got Rio Hondo on the scoreboard first, as she netted her third goal of the season off the assist from Viviana Viramontes in the 13th minute to give Rio Hondo the early lead.

The Roadrunners controlled the tempo for the remainder of the first half but had to wait all the way until the 59th minute to put the game out of reach. Samantha Garcia raced down field after the pass from Gracie Lopez and slipped her shot past Ventura goalkeeper Evanessa Vasquez for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.

Ventura answered with a goal of its own in the 78th minute by Jennifer Orozco, but Rio Hondo was able to hold off the Pirates over the final 12 minutes to hold on for the win.

Jenny Garcia played well in goal for the Roadrunners as she totaled five saves.

Rio Hondo travels to Santa Monica College on September 23 for a 1 p.m. non-conference game before opening South Coast Conference play on Sep. 30 at East Los Angeles College.