Given the mercy rule, the Pierce College softball team went five innings against Ventura College at home on Thursday, April 16.
The Brahmas were shutout for the 10th time this season, losing 10-0.
Ventura got on the scoreboard early and scored six runs in the first inning.
Pierce looked to get on the scoreboard but fell short.
Pierce head coach Danny Moore remained supportive and enthusiastic with his team throughout the game and kept its spirits high.
“The girls are getting stronger,” Moore said. “After the first inning, we ended up coughing up six runs and were playing catch up the entire time. Our pitcher, Nicki [Nicole Linderman], did an excellent job all year. Sometimes she has to pitch six or seven innings, which is kind of tough. I take my hat off to her.”
Ventura scored three more runs in the top of the fourth inning, but Pierce competed for one more inning before being granted mercy in the fifth.
Pierce assistant coach Rosie Vanegas watched from the sidelines and stressed the importance of staying strong in the first inning.
“If we start strong, and give it all from the beginning, that’s how we win games,” Vanegas said. “All the girls are freshmen, so next year is our year. It’s gratifying seeing how much the girls improve. Hitting is getting better, but we can’t seem to get any runs. But each day the girls improve so much.”
Pierce freshman catcher Lauren Dorame hadn’t played softball before this season and is happy with her progress and is optimistic about next season.
“The hardest part is learning to learn from your mistakes,” Dorame said. The biggest challenge is improving. I’ve made so many new friends, basically the whole team. I’m coming back next season, I really like it and now that I understand a little more of what’s going on, I can do better.”
The Brahmas have two more home games this season. They will play a doubleheader against Moorpark College on Tuesday, April 21 at 1 and 3 p.m.
