Lauren Albrent had a three-run home run and Isabel Gallegos hit three doubles and scored a run as the Pirates' softball team completed an undefeated run through the first of three rounds of Western State Conference play with a 7-2 victory at Allan Hancock Tuesday. Ashlyn Flinchum pitched a complete game, allowing just three hits and two earned runs while fanning 11 Bulldogs to secure the victory for VC (14-2-1, 5-0).
Ventura, ranked No. 12 in the state and No. 7 in Southern California, kept the line moving for a four-run second inning. Gallegos got things started with a lead-off double and Jocelyn Ortega followed with a base on balls. One out later, Flinchum reached base on a fielder's choice and Gallegos scored on a throwing error, moving Ortega to third. Mia Guerrero then singled home Ortega and Maggie Howe walked to load the bases. Ciana Garcia followed by reaching base on another fielder's choice with all the runners advancing and Flinchum crossed home plate. Ahlyssa Guzman then grounded out to short and Guerrero scored for a 4-0 VC advantage.
Hancock halved the deficit with two runs in the bottom of the third before Ventura answered with a three-run fourth.
Howe led off the frame reaching first on an error and Garcia singled. One out later, Albrent hit a three-run bomb for the final 7-2 margin.
Flinchum put together four scoreless innings in the pitcher's circle to close the game for the Pirates.
VC will be looking for their 10th straight win on Thursday March 9, beginning the second round of WSC play at second-place Cuesta. First pitch is slated for 12:00 pm.