The VC softball team traveled to the High Desert Thursday, dropping a difficult 3-2 decision to Antelope Valley College in Palmdale. Kaylee Neal was 2-4 with a pair of runs batted in. Arianna Rivas doubled and Kayla Garcia reached base twice, with a single and a walk. Anissa Padilla had a solid day in the circle, scattering six hits and striking out two, but she gave up two home runs which accounted for all three Marauder runs.
AVC got on board first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two-run home run.
The Pirates (6-3) came right back in the top of the fifth to tie the game. Angelina Flores singled to lead things off, and was replaced at first by pinch runner Samantha Gonzalez. Danielle Carmona was then hit by a pitch and the Pirates had runners on first and second with no outs. Adriana Clemons moved the runners over with a sacrifice before Neal singled to score the two runners and tie the game.
Antelope Valley came back with a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to claim the 3-2 win.
Ventura has a short turnaround, playing in the Mt. San Jacinto College President's Day Tournament on Friday and Saturday Feb. 16 and 17 in Menifee. On Friday they play San Diego City at 9:30 am and East Los Angeles at 12:00 pm before battling Los Angeles Valley at 9:30 am and Imperial Valley at 2:30 pm on Saturday.