SOFTBALL: It was a strong beginning to 2014 for the Ventura College softball team Tuesday as they used an 11-run fifth inning to defeat Los Angeles Mission College 13-5 in San Fernando. The Pirates batted around twice in the final frame to set the final margin, ending the game with a mercy rule. The Pirate offense knockedt out 16 hits, including three hits each from Julia Garcia, Emily Heath and Veronica Garcia. Pitcher Alex Thorp had five strikeouts in picking up the victory for VC (1-0).
Julia Garcia batted 3-4 with two doubles and an RBI while Veronica Garcia was 3-3 with a double and an RBI. Heath was also 3-3 at the dish with two RBI and Alyssa Mendoza Hit 2-3 with a pair of runs batted in. Roxanne Lopez had a triple with three RBI.
The Pirates will travel to Glendale this weekend, Feb. 1 and 2 for the Glendale Tournament before coming home for their home opener on Tuesday Feb. 4 against Los Angeles Valley College at 2:30 pm.