Laura Haines hit a solo homer in the first inning Addy Emery added a three-run homer in the third to power the Ventura High girls' softball team to a 16-1 non-league rout of visiting Santa Paula.

Haines wasn't expecting to drill the ball.

"I haven't been hitting the ball and that was a shock," said Haines.

Emery said the Cougars had been struggling at the plate, but they collected 20 hits and scored all of the runs in the first three innings. The game ended after 4 innings because of the mercy rule.

Ventura (2-1) had a five-run first. Emery had an RBI double in the first inning. Courtnie Corser, the winning pitcher, and Jackie Dickson drove in runs.

Emery's homer highlighted an eight-run third inning. Emery's blast was deep over center fielder Kelsey Brock.

Felix Cortez, the Ventura co-coach, said his team received a confidence boost on Saturday when it defeated Channel League rival Dos Pueblos 2-1 in the Suzanne Manlet Invitational.

After a 6-19 season in 2007, the Cougars are excited about this season.

Ventura plays at Pacifica today at 3:30 p.m. and then meets the Tritons again in the Manlet Invitational consolation bracket game at 2:30 p.m.

Against Santa Paula, Cortez said the Cardinals played deeper after the homers and Ventura was then able to hit balls in front of the outfielders.

"That three-run homer opened the flood gates," said Cortez.

Ventura's Elana Palace contributed a hit and scored a run. Brittney Marks had two hits and scored twice.

Haines had two hits and scored twice. Alyssa Salinas had two hits and scored twice. Corser had three hits and scored three times. Dickson had two hits. Jennifer Swift had a hit and Lana Haines had two hits and scored two runs.

Ventura had only eight hits and scored only two runs in its first two games.

Corser (2-1) registered four strikeouts and walked one against Santa Paula. She has pitched 61 innings, allowing seven runs and posting 13 strikeouts.

Santa Paula's Rebecca Arregon walked, scored run and had one of her team's four hits.

Kelsey Brock, Jasmin Rodriguez and Talisa Garcia added hits.

Santa Paula falls to 0-2. The Cardinals were coming off an 8-0 loss to La Reina.

Cortez and the Ventura program has had its ups and downs over the years.

He said the Santa Paula program is improving.

"Coach Barry Barnes is doing a good job," said Cortez. "The players have to believe in the coaches and keep a positive attitude."