Covington had little trouble with a young Mississinawa Valley team as the Lady Buccs run ruled the Blackhawks in five innings.

April 24, 2007 – UNION CITY
It was the tale of two teams at different stages as the Covington Lady Buccs defeated a young, inexperienced Mississinawa Valley team 14-0 in five innings.

"They (Mississinawa Valley) have seven freshman, so they are a young team," said Covington coach Lynette Roeth. "We didn't overlook them and played a solid game."

Covington jumped on the Lady Blackhawks in the first inning, putting four runs on the board.

Michelle Leistner started the game off by laying down a bunt and advanced to third on a throwing error to first. Leistner then scored the first run of the game on a Jesie Jennings double.

Michelle Barhorst followed with a single to score Jennings and another Mississinawa error on an Erin Christian grounder scored Barhorst. Moments later Jennifer Lowry singled to bring in Barhorst.

After a scoreless second inning, Covington scored two runs in the third, six in the fourth and two more in the fifth.

Covington scattered 14 hits and walked seven times.

"The kids hit the ball well tonight," Roeth praised. "We were patient at the plate and found good pitches to hit."

Jessica Shrout went the distance on the mound in recording the two-hitter. She struck out six and walked none.

"Jessica continues to pitch well," Roeth said. "But the girls backed her up in the field. We played a solid game defensively."

Which is an aspect of the game Roeth has emphasized throughout the year.

"We strive for having games with no errors," Roeth continued. "Great teams don't give opponents any opportunities with mistakes."

Shrout not only had an impressive night on the mound, she helped herself at the plate by going 3 for 4 and recording 4 RBI.

Jennifer Lowry had 3 RBI and Michelle Leistner went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI.

The victory improves Covington's record to 8-2 overall and 5-1 in Cross County Conference play. The Lady Buccs battle perennial power Newton on Thursday in a match-up with significant conference implications.

Scoring by innings:
Covington .........4....0....2....6....2 - 14
Miss. Valley ......0....0....0....0....0 - 0