It wasn't the way Long Beach City College head coach Melissa Angel was hoping to open the season on Friday. The Vikings managed just three hits while sophomore starting pitcher Mary Gonzales allowed a two-run home run in a 2-0 loss to visiting Los Angeles Valley College.

Freshman second baseman Erika Balboa accounted for two of the Vikings' hits on the day, going 2 for 3 with a double.

Gonzales pitched well despite earning the loss. She scattered four hits over five innings. The big blow was the two-run shot by LA Valley's Christina Colon in the top of the third inning.

Shaky defensive play also contributed to the loss. The Vikings committed three errors, including one in the third that led to the two unearned runs.

Janaiya Sansbury went 3 for 3 to lead LA Valley (1-1) at the plate. Vanessa Gonzalez struck out three batters in the complete-game victory.

Long Beach is back in action on Wednesday (Feb. 4) at 2:30 p.m. when the Vikings host Rio Hondo College in a non-conference game.