Offense Ignites Quickly as Warriors Trounce Rio Hondo in Conference Opener

TORRANCE, Calif. --- El Camino College started fast with a nine-run first inning en route to a 12-1, five-inning South Coast Conference win over visiting Rio Hondo on Tuesday afternoon at the ECC Softball Field.

The Warriors (6-0) won their sixth straight game to start the season and third by a run-rule decision. On Tuesday, the Warriors plated nine runs in the first to erase an early 1-0 deficit and cruised on to a victory.

Emma Garcia went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a triple to lead the offense. She scored twice and drove in two runs. Seven of the Warriors' nine starters recorded at least one hit on the day.

Mahlia Espino picked up her first career win in the circle as she tossed all five innings and allowed one run on four hits. She walked three and struck out three.

The Warriors sent 13 batters to the plate in the first inning and recorded seven hits. The big blow came off the bat of Emily Gamboa, who ripped a triple down the left-field line with the bases loaded, clearing the bases and putting ECC up 9-1 after the first frame.

They would go on to tack on two runs in the third and one in the fourth to secure the blowout victory. The Warriors are scheduled to face Compton on the road on Thursday with a 3 p.m. first pitch, weather permitting.