The VC softball team claimed the 2023 Western State Conference opener Tuesday with a 3-2 victory over Cuesta at the VC Softball Complex. Ashlyn Flinchum had another stellar game scattering seven hits and striking out 11 batters while allowing two runs from the pitcher's circle and she had two hits, including a double, and two runs batted in from the plate. Lauren Albrent had a hit with a stolen base and two runs scored and Isabel Gallegos was 2-3 with one run scored and one RBI for Ventura (8-2-1, 1-0).
VC jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. With one out, Albrent hit into a fielder's choice for the second out of the inning, then stole second. Gallegos followed with an RBI single for the early edge.
Cuesta took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning with a two-out rally.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Pirates rallied back. Albrent led off with a single and moved to third on Gallegos' single. Gallegos stole second once out later, and Maggie Howe walked to load the bases with two outs. Flinchum then came to bat, delivering a clutch two-RBI single to give the Pirates the 2-1 advantage.
Flinchum then pitched out of a jam in the top of the seventh inning to preserve the complete game victory.
Isabella Ayala and Mia Guerrero also recorded hits for the Pirates in the game.
VC next will travel to Moorpark on Thursday Feb. 16.