VC Adavnces in Playoffs with 9-3 Road Win at OCC

The VC softball team broke open a 3-3 tie with a four-run sixth inning in their 9-3 playoff win at Orange Coast Tuesday afternoon. Sophia Valencia delivered a 2-run single in the game-winning rally and Zayra Landeros had three hits with two RBI while scoring two runs. Emma Estrella scattered four hits in the complete game win in the circle, allowing three runs, one earned while striking out four.

The Ventura Pirates, seeded No. 18 in the playoff bracket, added two more runs in the seventh to seal it after a game that was tight through the first few frames. Both teams scored two runs in the first inning, and the No. 15-seeded Orange Coast Pirates moved in front 3-2 with a run in the second. Ventura answered in the third to tie the game, then kept the hosts off the board the rest of the way before the lineup broke through late.

Estrella went the distance for Ventura and earned the win, improving to 10-4 on the year. The right-hander worked all seven innings, allowing four hits and three runs, with only one earned, while walking five and striking out four. After OCC scored in each of the first two innings, Estrella settled in and finished the game with five scoreless frames.

VC finished with nine runs on nine hits and took advantage of two Orange Coast errors. Landeros led the offense with a 3-for-4 day, scoring twice and driving in two runs. Valencia added two hits and three RBIs, while Jayla Raya brought in two more runs as Ventura generated production throughout the order.

With the win, Ventura advances to face No. 1 Palomar in a best-of-three series on Friday and Saturday May 1 and 2 in San Marcos.