By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—The Rio Hondo Lady ’Cats’ Basketball Team opened their season with a 45-32 victory at home against their neighbor, the San Benito Lady Greyhounds, last Saturday.
Both varsity teams qualified for the postseason a year ago, a feat they aim to repeat.
San Benito plays out of District 32-6A against four other schools, while Rio Hondo is grouped in a much crowded District 32-3A against nine foes.
Carlie Rodriguez led all players in scoring with 23 points. She also had seven rebounds.
The sophomore had a trio of three-point baskets and seven shots from the field.
The Lady ’Cats’ leading rebounder was senior Rhianna Villarreal with 12, followed by sophomore Evan Ayala’s eight (nine points, four steals).
Senior Abigail Atkinson contributed eight points and three steals.
“It was a great way to start the season. It showed us what we need to work on moving forward, but overall, I was pleased with the effort we displayed,” Rio Hondo Head Coach Victor Sauceda said.
On the other hand, it was a disappointing beginning for San Benito Head Coach Abel Moreno and his team.
Junior Hailey Davila led the Lady ‘Hounds with 12 points, becoming the line player to reach double figures.
Other San Benito players who contributed were Kalista Olivares (five points), Annabella Garza (five points), and Marilyn García (four points).
Every district team except Los Fresnos has started the season. Only Harlingen (2-0) and Brownsville Hanna (1-0) have begun with non-district wins right out of the gate. Like San Benito, Brownsville Veterans Memorial is also 0-1.
Santa Rosa was the only other team in Rio Hondo’s district to start the season, as the Lady Warriors defeated IDEA Quest College Prep, 71-7.
Last season, the Lady ‘Hounds reached the second round of the playoffs but lost to Laredo United South, 50-20. They beat Edinburg North, 49-41, in the bi-district round. Meanwhile, the Lady ’Cats lost their first-round game to Bishop, 48-40.
They finished the season with a 28-4 record.
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