The Ventura College softball team opened the new season with a narrow 4-3 loss to visiting Cerritos at the VC Softball Complex on Tuesday afternoon. Kat Tafoya was 2-3 on the day, including a double, with two runs scored and Lauren Saenz had a pair of hits with a run batted in. Jessica Mendoza started the game in the circle, pitching five innings while Tafoya pitched in relief for the Pirates (0-1).
After yielding a pair of runs in the top of the first inning, VC got on the board quickly in the bottom half of the frame. Celeste Pacheco opened the inning with a triple to left, scoring on an error by the left fielder.
The Pirates also scored an unearned run in the second inning to tie the game. Tafoya opened up with a single, and Aleska Page sacrificed her to second. Saenz followed with a single, and one out later Tafoya scored when Pacheco reached base on an error.
Ventura took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Tafoya led off with a long double, and Page singled to center field. Saenz then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt with Tafoya scoring and all others safe on base.
Cerritos came back with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth inning for a 4-3 advantage, andthe Pirates threatened but could not score in the bottom of the seventh.
The Pirates return to action on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, with four games at the Glendale Tournament.