The VC softball team dropped a tough 6-5 decision to Pasadena City College Saturday at the VC Softball Complex. After trailing 4-0 and 5-2, Ventura came back to tie the game at 5-5 before the Lancers scored a run in the top of the sixth to set the final margin. Lauren Albrent had a solo home run and Abby Strong, Courtney Terrazas and Ashley Perez all recorded RBI singles in the effort for Ventura (22-11, 5-1).
Ventura fell behind early, giving up four runs in the top of the first inning.
Vc's comeback started with a two-run second. Jocelyn Ortega led off with a single and moved to second on Ciana Garcia's sacrifice bunt. Courtney Terrazas was hit by a pitch and Strong hit an RBI single to score Ortega one out later. Perez then followed with another run-scoring single to push Terrazas across the plate and the Pirates cut the deficit in half, 4-2.
After the Lancers scored one in the top of the third, Ventura came back with two more scores in the bottom half of the frame. Albrent led off with an inside-the-park home run to right field and Isabel Gallegos followed with a triple. After a pitching change, Gallegos came in to score on a passed ball to cut the PCC lead to 5-4.
The Pirates tied the score with a run in the bottom of the fifth. Ortega led off with a single and moved to second on Garcia's sacrifice. Ortega then advanced to third base on a passed ball before Terrazas knocked her in with a single.
With the score knotted at five, Pasadena plated the game-winning run in the top of the sixth inning.
Morgan Albertsen made the start in the circle for VC and Kat Tafoya came on to throw three innings of relief. Ashlyn Flinchum finished the game with two scoreless innings for the Pirates.
Ventura begins the second round of Western State Conference play on Tuesday April 5 at home against Cuesta College. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 pm.