The Pirate softball team began the Sonia Ford era on a positive note Friday with a 5-3 win over Imperial Valley College at the Dave Wilder Memorial Tournament in Glendale. Ford, a Ventura College alumna and member Hall of Fame pitcher, took over the reigns of the program from longtime head coach Susan Johnson, who retired from her head coach duties before the season. Christina Hart carried the big bat for the Pirates (1-0) with a pair of hits and three RBI.
Anissa Padilla picked up the win in the pitcher's circle for VC. She gave up six hits over the five-inning contest.
Offensively, Alyssa Frutos was 2-2 at the plate with a pair of stolen bases and two runs scored while Brittany Perez was 1-2 with an RBI.
Ventura continues play in Glendale on Saturday Jan. 28 against Chaffey College at 7:00 pm.