Softball: Bulldogs Top Ventura in Must-Win Showdown

VENTURA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College softball team secured a must-win conference victory in a 2-1 decision on the road at Ventura College on Wednesday afternoon. | BOX SCORE

Ventura, the current leader in the league standings and this year's regular season champion, entered the game as the lone undefeated team remaining in the Western State Conference (North). Hancock moves to an overall record of 18-12 with a 10-4 mark against league foes after the victory and has clinched a runner-up finish in the conference with a one-game lead and the head-to-head advantage over Cuesta going into the final week of play. 

Offensive production was slow for both sides as the game remained scoreless through the first three frames of action until the Bulldogs found their way on the board in the fourth inning. Mya Mendoza got on base after being hit by a pitch and Madison Gamble reached first on a Ventura error before Briana Munoz cleared the bases with a triple and drove in what would eventually become the game-winning run. The Pirates threatened a comeback in the bottom of the seventh after back-to-back triples plated one, but stranded the tying runner after a trio of solid defensive plays led to three straight outs. 

Munoz also picked up her 10th win of the season after spending seven innings in the circle. She struck out one batter and surrendered one earned run after scattering eight hits through a complete game performance. 

The Bulldogs are set to return to action at home on Friday, April 21st, for a non-conference doubleheader against Fresno City College. Game one is scheduled to begin at 11 AM with game two anticipated to start around 1 PM.