Back-to-back hat tricks from Alexis Macias lift Rio Hondo to wins in Ventura

Alexis Macias/Rio Hondo College
Alexis Macias/Rio Hondo College
September 7, 2021

VENTURA - The 2021 season got off to an impressive start for the Rio Hondo College women's soccer team and forward Alexis Macias.  The freshman out of Downey High School scored all six of the Roadrunners' goals over the weekend to lead Rio Hondo to a pair of wins at the highly-competitive New Balance Showcase tourney at Ventura College.

Macias posted her first hat trick in a 3-0 shutout of Golden West College on Friday and closed it out with three more goals in a 3-1 victory against Clovis Community College on Saturday.

Macias gave Rio Hondo a 1-0 lead on Friday, scoring in the 16th minute off the assist from Alice Hernandez. Her goal in the 33rd minute gave the Roadrunners a 2-0 halftime lead. Macias closed out scoring with her final goal of the day in the 74th minute. Alanis Rodriguez and Jackie Marin were credited with the assists.

Fellow Downey freshman Daniella Marin posted four saves in goal to earn the shutout.

Macias wasted little time in giving Rio Hondo a 1-0 lead against Clovis in Saturday's finale, scoring in the eighth minute thanks to the assists from Jackie Marin. She connected with Hernandez for a goal in the 33rd and extended the Roadrunners' lead to 3-0 with a goal in the 75th off the assist from Brisa Aldama.

Clovis finally broke through to end the shutout bid with a goal in the 77th minute by Alexz Wheaton.

Although a tournament champion was not crowned, Rio Hondo was one of three teams to go undefeated at the event and tied with host Ventura for most goals scored over the two games.

Rio Hondo head coach Jennifer Tanaka-Hoshijo was impressed with her squad's effort over the weekend.

"The team was excited to play and we are looking forward to continuing to work hard to be our best this season," said Tanaka-Hoshijo. "We created some good opportunities and Alexis did a nice job working hard to find the back of the net."

Rio Hondo (2-0-0) returns to action on Friday (Sep. 10) when the Roadrunners host Orange Coast College in their home opener. Opening kick is set for 3 p.m.

(Chris Ruiz)