After a rare 11-day break in the middle of the season due to an off week and rainouts, the Pirates' softball team returned to action on Monday, posting a 12-2 five-inning victory at Citrus College Monday in Glendora. Lauren Albrent had four hits, including two home runs, and five runs batted in to power the offense while Ashlyn Flinchum had a pair of hits, including a double, with two RBI. Flinchum also struck out six while yielding one earned run in the mercy-rule victory.
Ventura (16-2-1, 6-0) jumped out to the early lead when Ahlyssa Guzman, who hit a one out single, scored from third when Isabel Gallegos reached base on a fielder's choice.
VC then plated three more scores to take control in the top of the second. Flinchum led off with a walk and Mia Guerrero was hit by a pitch. One out later, Ciana Garcia loaded the bases with an infield single. Guzman and Albrent hit back-to-back RBI singles scoring Flinchum and Guerrero, respectively. Then, Gallegos reached base on another fielder's choice to score Garcia.
The Pirates led 4-0 in the middle of the second before Citrus came back with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the frame.
Ventura broke the game open with an eight-run fourth inning, sparked by two home runs by Albrent in the at-bat. The sophomore third baseman led off with a solo shot to right followed by singles by Gallegos, Jocelyn Ortega and Isabella Ayala to load the bases. Flinchum hit a two-RBI double to left field before Guerrero grounded out to first base to knock in another run. Maggie Howe then singles to left for another run scored for the Pirates. Garcia followed with a single, and one out later, Albrent knocked out her second home run of the inning, a three-run shot to center.
Flinchum shut down the Owls from the circle to preserve the five-inning win.
The Pirates are scheduled to resume Western State COnference play at Santa Barbara on Thursday March 23 before hosting LA Mission in a doubleheader on Saturday March 25.