The Pirate softball team traveled to Orange County Wednesday, dropping a 7-1 decision at Santiago Canyon. Lauren Albrent had three hits and a stolen base and Isabella Ayala was 2-3 with a run batted in. Jalen Barron had a single and scored a run for the Pirates (3-2).
Ventura took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. With two outs, Barron singled, then advanced to second on a passed ball. Ayala followed with an RBI single to put the Pirates ahead.
The Hawks responded with three runs in the bottom half of the frame, and they scored three more in the fourth inning.
Ventura tried to rally in the fifth but left the bases loaded without plating a score.
Santiago Canyon scored an insurance run in the bottom half of the column to set the final margin.
Ashlyn Flinchum started in the circle for VC, pitching four complete innings. Kat Tafoya came in with two scoreless frames in relief.
VC next hosts Antelope Valley in its home opener on Thursday Feb. 10. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 pm at the VC Softball Complex.