The VC softball team scored four runs in the sixth inning, and two more in the seventh to come from behind before holding off Antelope Valley for a 7-5 win in Lancaster Thursday. Ahlyssa Guzman had three hits, including a double and a triple, and scored twice while Ashlyn Flinchum struck out seven in throwing a complete game for the victory. Isabel Gallegos and Jocelyn Ortega each had two runs batted in for the Pirates (6-2-1).
Ventura took the early lead with a run i the top of the first. Guzman hit a one-out triple followed by an RBI single by Lauren Albrent.
The Marauders answered with a pair of scores in the bottom of the third to take a 2-1 lead.
After two more scoreless columns, the Pirates rallied for four runs in the top of the sixth. Mia Guerrero led off with a single and Albrent followed with a two-out walk. Gallegos doubled to knock in two runs and Ortega singled, moving to second on the throw home and going to third on an error. Isabella Ayala was hit by a pitch and Maggie Howe loaded the bases with a walk. All the runners then advanced on a passed ball as Ortega scored an unearned run to make it 7-2 for Ventura.
VC added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the seventh with another two-out rally. Guzman singled and Albrent walked. Gallegos also walked to load the bases before Guzman scored on Ortega's walk. The runners then moved ahead one base on another passed ball with Albrent scoring for the 7-2 margin.
In the bottom half of the frame, AVC scored three runs, but a 6-3 groundout ended the threat for the Pirate victory.
VC next hosts Cerritos on Friday Feb. 10 at 12:00 pm at the VC Softball Complex.