The VC softball team gave up a late rally and dropped a 5-2 decision against Santa Barbara Monday. Aubrey Aguirre recorded a pair of doubles and a run batted in while Madison Shay and Erika Sanchez also had two hits each in the setback. Bryanne Magana gave up eight hits, but yielded five runs in the circle for the Pirates (13-5, 2-1).
VC took an early lead with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Baylany Magana walked to open the game and stole second with one out. Jennie Jacinto then walked and Shay singled to score Magana for the 1-0 advantage.
The Vaqueros came back with single runs in the second and third to hold a 2-1 edge.
With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Sophia Valencia drew a base on balls before Aguirre's double scored her from first to tie the game at 2-2.
Unfortunately for the Pirates, SBCC rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh.
In their final at-bat, Ventura had Sanchez reach third with a lead-off triple and Ba. Magana beat out an infield single to third before the Vaqueros retired the next three batters to preserve the result.
It will be a quick turnaround for the Pirates as they travel to San Luis Obispo on Tuesday Mar. 18 to take on Cuesta College. They return home on Thursday Mar. 20 to face off against Moorpark at 2:30 pm.