The VC softball team held off a late Canyons rally Friday afternoon, defeating the Cougars 2-1 in a non-conference game in Santa Clarita. Savanna Higgins hit an RBI double and scored a run while Jennie Jacinto score the Pirates' other run in the game. Bryanne Magana recorded a hit with an RBI at the plate and scattered seven hits over seven innings while allowing the one run fromthe pitcher's circle to pick up the complete-game win.
Each team recorded one hit through the first two innings of play while remaining in a scoreless tie. The Cougars got a bunt single and a two-out double in the bottom of the third before Br. Magana induced a fly ball out to retire the side and keep the game scoreless.
Jacinto reached base on an error to open the top of the fourth inning and stole second before coming home on Higgins' double to centerfield. One out later, Higgins moved to third on a passed ball and scored on Br. Magana's single to center for a 2-0 Pirate lead.
Canyons had a base runner in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, but VC was able to maintain the slim lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, COC homered to lead of fthe frame and had runners on second and third with one out before Magana induced a fly ball to shortstop and a fly ball to right field to close out the victory.
Ventura (24-7, 10-1) will resume Western State Conference North Division play with a big game at second-place Moorpark on Tuesday April 15. VC leads the Raiders by 1.5 games and Santa Barbara by two with three games remaining in the conference race.