Savanna Higgins had a great day leading the Pirate softball team to an 8-5 victory over visiting Chaffey Wednesday. The VC shortstop was 2-4 with an RBI single and a 3-run home run in back-to-back innings to lead Ventura to the triumph. Pitcher Chelsea Trejo navigated through a 15-hit Chaffey offensive attack, allowing five runs to pick up the win in the circle.
The Panthers scored a run in the top of the first before Trejo was unscathed in a two-on, one-out jam in the top of the second. VC retired the side in the third to head into the bottom half of the frame down 1-0.
Jennie Jacinto reached base on an error to open the bottom of the third, stealing second during the next at-bat. Alexyss Campos drew a walk before Higgins hit an RBI single to even the score. Jade Loeffler then walked to load the bases, and one out later, Higgins scored on a fielder's choice by Alyssa Jacinto. Kaliona Hernandez followed with a sacrifice fly to score Loeffler and Trejo scored on an error for a 4-1 Pirate lead.
Chaffey answered with a score in the top of the fourth, but VC responded with a bang in the bottom half of the inning.
Kiara Harrison led off the frame with a walk, and J. Jacinto singled with both runners moving ahead one base on the throw back to the infield. Campos then hit an RBI single before Higgins cleared the bases with a three-run inside-the-park home run to make it 8-2 for the Pirates.
The Panthers tried to rally in the sixth with three runs, but the VC defense was able to hold off Chaffey for the 8-3 triumph.
VC next hosts Santa Monica on Thursday March 28.