Ventura College pitchers Ashlyn Flinchum did the job with her arm and her bat on Friday. The sophomore threw seven innings, scattered three hits and struck out seven, allowing one run in the complete game against Cerritos at the VC Softball Complex. She also hit an RBI double in the bottom of the second inning to help propel the Pirates to a 2-1 win over the Falcons. Isabel Gallegos had an RBI single in the third to provide VC (7-2-1) with the eventual game-winner.
The Pirates got rolling in the second inning. Jocelyn Ortega singled to lead things off before taking second on a passed ball. One out later, she moved to third on Maggie Howe's groundout to the pitcher before Flinchum doubled her home for a 1-0 advantage.
Ventura doubled their lead in the third. Ahlyssa Guzman doubled with one out and she moved to third when Lauren Albrent hit a ground ball out to the right side. Gallegos followed with an RBI single for the 2-0 margin.
Cerritos tried to rally in the top of the seventh, taking advantage of a lead-off walk, but Flinchum regrouped to retire the side and preserve the 2-1 victory.
VC begins Western State Conference play on Tuesday Feb. 14 at home against Cuesta College. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 pm.