Rio Hondo Edges Oxnard College 5-4 in Tight Softball Battle

By Sergio Ramos

The Rio Hondo College women's softball team held off Oxnard College for a 5-4 win in a closely contested matchup that came down to timely hitting and plate discipline.

Oxnard struck early and stayed competitive throughout, scoring four runs on four hits while drawing eight walks. Marylou Flores led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Jiselle Garcia and Isabela Nava each drove in a run. Alizabeth Rosas also contributed an RBI despite being held hitless. Alexah Espinoza reached base three times and added a stolen base to help keep pressure on the Rio Hondo defense.

Rio Hondo answered with five runs on four hits, capitalizing on patience at the plate with six walks. Alyssa Pallan delivered a key performance, going 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Hailey Gutierrez matched that production, also driving in two runs on a hit in three at-bats. Gisselle Ramirez-Huerta paced the offense by going 2-for-3 and scoring a run.

Despite striking out 10 times, Rio Hondo made the most of its opportunities, using aggressive baserunning and timely hits to edge ahead. Oxnard had chances to rally, leaving 11 runners on base, but couldn't deliver the decisive hit late.

In the end, Rio Hondo's efficiency proved just enough as they secured the one-run victory over the Condors in a hard-fought conference showdown.