New Rio Hondo College women's basketball head coach Rene Herrera knew his team had a sizable challenge in facing No. 10 Southern California-ranked Saddleback College in their season-opener on Friday. The Roadrunners held their own in the first quarter before a Saddleback pulled away for good outscoring Rio Hondo 22-7 in the second on its way to handing the Roadrunners an 88-50 loss in an opening-round game of the Mt. SAC Tip Off Classic.

Returning sophomore Destinee Garr did all she could to keep the Roadrunners in the game as she posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Maggie Lamas added 13 points and five rebounds while Amber Valdez chipped in with eight points.

Rio Hondo shot just 29 percent (18-62) from the field and was outrebounded by a 51-38 margin by the Gauchos.

The Roadrunners (0-1) will look to bounce back and earn career win No. 1 for Herrera when they take on College of the Desert at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 4) in a consolation bracket game at the tournament.