Softball Takes Control of WSC North

The VC softball team earned some redemption Monday with an 11-1 victory at Santa barbara, atoning for loss to the Vaqueros earlier this season. Erika Sanchez recorded three runs batted in with a hit and a pair of walks to lead the effort while Aubrey Aguirre scored twice in the game. Savanna Higgins had a pair of singles with a run scored. With the win, the Pirates moved two games ahead of the field with four remaining in the Western State Conference race.

After a scoreless first inning, Ventura drew first blood in the top of the second when Baylany Magana singled home Sophia Valencia for the 1-0 edge.

The Pirates then took control of the game with four runs in the third. Madison Shay and Bryanne Magana sandwiched a pair of singles around a walk by Aguirre to load the bases with one out. Valencia, Alyssa Castaneda and Sanchez all drew a base on balls to walk in a run before Ba. Magana's sacrifice fly knocked in one more to put Ventura ahead 5-0.

After Santa Barbara scored one run in the bottom of the fifth, VC answered with a six-run rally to put the game out of reach. Ba. Magana walked and Jennie Jacinto beat out a bunt single before a Higgins single and an error led to a run. One out later Higgins stole second and an error allowed Jacinto to score from third. Aguirre hit an RBI single before Dakota Moore singled and Valencia reached base on another error to load the bases. Castaneda successfully laid down a bunt single for an RBI and Sanchez knocked in two more runs with a single to set the final margin. 

Ba. Magana pitched a complete game, allowing just one hit and one run over six innings while striking out nine batters. 

Ventura (22-7, 9-1) now sits two games clear of Cuesta, Moorpark and Santa Barbara atop the conference standings with four games remaining. 

VC will look to eliminate Cuesta from contention with a home game on Thursday April 10. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 pm at the VC Softball Complex.