The Pirate softball team scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, then closed he door on visiting Santa Monica for the 4-1 victory in their Western State Conference opener at the VC Softball Complex Tuesday afternoon. The Pirates had seven hits as a team, including one by Cassidy Craig who also recorded two runs batted in. Jessica Mendoza also had a hit and an RBI. Kayla Garcia picked up the victory in the pitcher's circle.
Santa Monica took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning before the Pirates tied the score in the bottom of the fifth. Then VC (5-5, 1-0) broke through for three runs in the sixth inning before posting a scoreless Corsair seventh to close out the victory. Garcia also had a triple at the plate and Kaylee Neal was 1-3 with a double. Adriana Clemons, Kali Brown and Serrina Cabral also recorded hits.
Ventura next hosts Bakersfield on Thursday Feb. 28 at 2:30 pm.