In a make-up of a Feb. 11 rained out contest, the Ventura College softball team dropped a close decision at state No. 8-ranked El Camino Wednesday afternoon in Torrance. The Pirates managed just five hits against the Warriors,including a double by Kaylee Neal, but never was able to string any together in the shutout loss. Jessica Mendoza pitched well, scattering seven hits but allowing three runs in the loss for VC (14-12, 6-2).
The Pirates had base runners in six of the seven innings, but did not get past second base until Neal's double followed by a sacrifice bunt by Mendoza moved her to third. The Pirates had a groundout and strikeout to end the threat and the game. Serrina Cabral, Adriana Clemons, Mendoza and Kayla Garcia all singled for Ventura, but none in the same frame as another.
Mendoza struck out two against just one walk in her seven innings of work. She faced just 26 batters in the game, but El Camino was efficient with their three earned runs, one in the third inning and two more in the fourth.
The Pirates return to Western Sate Conference play on Thursday March 28 at Santa Monica College. First pitch is slated for 2:30 pm.