The Pirate softball team went on the road for the first time in 2020, splitting a pair of games on the first day of the Glendale College Dave "Hawk" Wilder Memorial Tournament Friday. VC dropped a 10-8 decision to Sacramento in the morning game before defeating Antelope Valley 5-2 in the second. Kat Tafoya knocked out five hits in the two games with five runs batted in, and pitched Ventura (1-2) to victory in the nightcap.
Ventura 8, Sacramento 10
In the first game of the day, the Pirates got an early upper hand on the Panthers, but were unable to keep their advantage. VC plated three runs in the bottom of the first inning but Sacramento scored one n the second and one in the third to even the score. The Pirates responded with a run in the bottom of the third before SCC took control with a four-run fourth inning. Trailing 7-4, the Pirates scored another two runs in the bottom half of the frame. Ventura managed to tie the score in the fifth inning, but Sacramento scored three more runs in the top of the sixth for a 10-7 advantage. VC managed one run in the bottom half of the last column, but fell to defeat 10-8.
Tafoya was 3-3 at the plate, including a home run and a double, with four runs batted in. Celeste Pacheco doubled with a pair of RBI. Jessica Mendoza handled the pitching duties in the game for VC.
Ventura 5, Antelope Valley 2
VC earned its first victory of the season in Friday's second game, a 5-2 triumph over Antelope Valley. The Pirates scored three runs in the top of the third, and another two in the fifth while the Marauders attempted a comeback with two runs in the sixth.
Tafoya was 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI while Lauren Saenz also had a pair of hits. Courtney Terrazas batted in one run with a single. Tafoya worked in the pitcher's circle for VC, picking up the win.
The Pirates return to Glendale on Saturday Feb. 1 for two more games, against the hosts and San Bernardino Valley, respectively, with the games beginning at 4:30 and 6:30 pm. Ventura returns home for a double-header against Santiago Canyon on Tuesday Feb. 4.