The VC softball team earned a key Western State Conference victory Tuesday, 9-1 over visiting Allan Hancock College at the VC Softball Complex. Ashlyn Flinchum was dominant in the pitcher's circle scattering four hits over six innings, allowing one run while striking out 12 Bulldogs for the victory. Ashley Perez had three hits and scored twice while Lauren Albrent had a home run with two runs batted in to lead the Ventura offense. Isabel Gallegos also knocked in two runs for the Pirates (13-4, 2-0).
Ventura got off to a quick start, scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning. Perez singled to lead off the game and Albrent followed one out later with a two-run home run for a 2-0 advantage.
The Pirates were not done, either, scoring five more runs in the second inning to take full control of the game. Kat Tafoya led off with a triple, and scored when Jocelyn Ortega reached base on an error. Perez and Ahlyssa Guzman followed with a pair of singles, the second of which scored Ortega, and Isabella Ayala had an RBI single one out later to score Perez. Abby Strong singled to load the bases before Gallegos hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Guzman. Courtney Terrazas capped the rally with an RBI single scoring Ayala for a 7-0 margin.
The margin was more than enough for Flinchum, who had the Bulldogs' number all afternoon. She recorded at least one strikeout in each inning, totaling 12 K's in the game. The only Hancock run came in the fourth on a two-out rally before Flinchum recorded another strikeout to retire the side.
In the bottom of the sixth, Albrent led off with a walk before Ayala and Strong each singled to load the bases. Gallegos singled home Albrent before Ayala scored two outs later on a passed ball as the Pirates walked off with the run-rule victory.
Ayala produced three hits with two runs scored and an RBI n the game while Strong also totaled three hits. As a team, the Pirates pounded out 14 hits against the Bulldogs.
Ventura continues WSC play Thursday March 17 at Oxnard.