Pirate Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Against San Bernardino

The VC softball team had a strong showing Friday, sweeping a doubleheader against visiting San Bernardino Valley, defeating the Wolverines 8-0 and 12-6. Baylany Magana and Samantha Soto led the offensive attack in the twin bill, each recording five hits in the two games. Magana also scored four runs with one run batted in and Soto scored four times with two RBI.

Ventura used a fast start and a dominant outing in the circle from Emma Estrella in the opening game to roll 8-0 in six innings. The Pirates scored three runs in the first inning and added on in the fourth, fifth and sixth to secure the run-rule victory behind a 12-hit attack and error-free defense.

Estrella anchored the win with a complete-game shutout, scattering six hits over 6.0 innings while striking out six and walking just one. The right-hander kept the Wolverines off the board despite traffic on the bases, stranding six runners and inducing key outs when needed.

Ventura's offense set the tone immediately with a three-run first inning, seizing an advantage that the Pirates never relinquished. VC continued to apply pressure, tacking on a single run in the fourth before posting two-run frames in both the fifth and sixth innings to push the margin to 8-0. Ventura finished with 12 hits and took advantage of five walks and a hit batter, while also capitalizing on two San Bernardino Valley errors to extend innings and create scoring chances.

The top of the Pirates' lineup fueled the production. Soto reached base four times, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored, a walk and two stolen bases to spark the Ventura attack. Magana added two hits, two runs, an RBI and a stolen base, consistently setting the table and driving in a run. In the middle of the order, Isabella Padilla turned in a 2-for-3 day with a run scored, an RBI, a walk and two steals, while Zayra Landeros matched her with a 2-for-3 performance that included a run and an RBI. Ventura's RBIs were distributed across the lineup, with Magana, Layah Hicks, Landeros, Sophia Valencia, Padilla and Jayla Raya all driving in runs.

Ventura's aggressiveness on the bases complemented the steady contact at the plate. The Pirates swiped five bags, with Soto and Padilla each stealing two bases to put additional pressure on the Wolverines' defense. That pressure contributed to SBVC's two errors which helped extend innings for VC.

In Game 2, VC used a decisive nine-run second inning to break open a tie game and defeat San Bernardino Valley 12-6. The Pirates finished with 15 hits and rode a strong start in the circle from Magana and a three-inning save from Paisley Magdaleno to close out the victory.

After both teams traded three-run frames in the first inning, VC's lineup seized control in the bottom of the second. The Pirates sent a barrage of hitters to the plate, turning a 3-3 deadlock into a 12-5 advantage by the end of the frame. The outburst ultimately provided all the offense Ventura needed, as SBVC managed just one more run the rest of the way.

Aubrey Aguirre helped key the decisive rally, finishing with two hits, two runs scored and three RBIs, including a triple. Raya delivered a two-RBI triple as part of her two-hit day, adding a run scored. Soto also contributed a pivotal performance near the top of the order, going 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBIs and a walk as Ventura's offense produced at least one RBI from multiple spots in the lineup.

Magana earned the win in the circle for Ventura. The right-hander worked 4.0 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on three hits with one walk and one strikeout. Magdaleno took over in relief and slammed the door over the final 3.0 innings, surrendering one run to secure the save.

The Pirates will return to Western State Conference play on Tuesday Mar. 10 at Santa Barbara.