Softball Sweeps Pair to close Glendale Tourney

The VC softball team won a pair of games Saturday afternoon to close an undefeated weekend at the Glendale Tournament. The Pirates bested San Diego Mesa 6-1 before handing the hosts an 8-3 defeat. Jocelyn Ortega knocked out five hits in the two games as the Pirates used big innings to claim two victories. Isabel Gallegos recorded four hits on the day and Ashlyn Flinchum pitched a gem in the opener.

Ventura 6, San Diego Mesa 1

VC opened the day with a win over the Olympians. After coming out of the first inning tied 1-1, the Pirates used a five-run sixth to claim the victory behind a nine-strikeout complete game performance from Flinchum.

Lauren Albrent singled home Ciana Garcia in the first to even the score at 1-1.

In the sixth, Gallegos doubled, followed by an Isabella Ayala single. After Ayala stole second, Ortega hit a two-RBI single to clear the bases. One out later Flinchum singled, then Garcia drew a two-out walk. Ahlyssa Guzman followed with by hitting in two runs with a single, and Albrent banged out an RBI double.

Ventura 8, Glendale 3

Ventura scored four runs in both the fourth and fifth innings in defeating the host Vaqueros in the tournament finale.

Morgan Albertsen pitched four scoreless innings to pick up the win, allowing just four hits while striking out one. Mia Guerrero pitched the bottom of the fifth, fanning two to carry through to the Pirates to victory.

Ortega led the offense with a 3-3 performance, including a double, and Gallegos was 2-3 with a home run and a double with two RBI. Garcia had a pair of hits and three runs batted in and Maggie Howe was -3 with one run batted in. Albrent, Flinchum and Albertsen all recorded hits for Ventura in the triumph.

The Pirates will host their home opener on Tuesday Jan. 31 against Bakersfield. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm at the VC Softball Complex.