It's time to pay some attention to the Ventura College softball team, who have pushed its winning steak to 12 games Tuesday with a doubleheader sweep of visiting Cuesta.

"We're doing all right.," said Ventura coach Sue Johnson.

The Pirates (19-3) haven't lost since Feb. 18 to build a three-game lead in the Western State Conference's Gold Division. Their three losses have come by a combined four runs.

"So far so good," said Johnson.

Sophomore Teresa Lemos, who earned VC and WSC Athlete of the Week honors last week, is 15-2 with a 0.78 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 106 1/3 innings on the mound. The Rio Mesa High product is also hitting .438 with four doubles, seven triples and a team-high 26 RBIs.

Three other Pirates are hitting in the .400s, including sophomore infielder Raelene Moreno, who is hitting .424 with five home runs and 26 RBIs.

The Pirates, who are seventh in Southern California in RPI, put their winning streak on the line this weekend by hosting the Ventura Spring Games. Six different conferences are represented in the field, including two-time state champion and state No. 2 Cypress (20-4), former No. 1-ranked Canyons (23-2) and all three county programs.

"We have some quality teams in the tournament," said Johnson. "It's good preparation for the end of the season. We're looking forward to some good games."

VC will host Santa Ana (16-9) and Antelope Valley (12-10) Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively, as well as Mount San Jacinto (8-17) and Cypress Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.

Led by slugger Janai Shaw, third baseman Dani Hernandez and pitcher Heather Bacon, Oxnard (9-13) faces Mount San Jacinto and Cypress Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Moorpark (8-17-1), paced by slugging catcher Heaven Silveira, who already has five home runs this season, and speedster Amanda Chatman, faces Santa Ana Saturday at 10:30 a.m.