April 1, 2008 – COVINGTON
It was cold. It was windy. And it was wet.

But the Covington Lady Buccs were hot at the plate, while Jessica Shrout and Kristen Boggs were in command on the mound. The result was a 12-4 victory for Covington as it opened its 2008 season and the Dean Denlinger era in style.

"This was a total team effort," said Denlinger in regards to his first win as Covington coach. "The kids were focused and ready to play."

After shutting Anna down with three quick outs to start the game, the Lady Buccs got their own bats out in their half of the first by loading the bases with just one out.

Unfortunately two long fly balls ended the threat, but the tone of the game was established as Covington was having success hitting the ball in conditions more suitable for a football game.

"We hit the ball hard all night," Denlinger said. "Even in the innings where we didn't get any runs, the girls were putting a bat on the ball. They (Anna) made some nice defensive plays, but we never got discouraged."

Covington's bats remained alive in the bottom of the second, but this time it resulted in runs.

An opposite-field blooper to right by Erin Christian scored Halley Roberts and a line shot by Jessica Snipes brought in Katie Dickey and Michelle Leistner to give Covington a 3-0 lead.

Anna came right back in the top of the third and tied the score with a three-run homer, but Covington responded in the fifth with an eight-run inning to blow the game open, 11-4.

"When they got the big home run the kids just stayed focused," Denlinger explained. "We had some nice hits in the fourth but couldn't score. We just kept hitting the ball and were able to get on a roll in the fifth."

Covington then put the final touches on an impressive afternoon with a run in the sixth.

"Not only did we hit the ball hard, but we played a nice small game too," explained Denlinger. "We sacrificed well and moved some runners into scoring position."

Shrout went five innings on the mound, giving up three hits and striking out nine. Boggs pitched two scoreless innings and struck out four to pick up the save.

"Our pitchers did an outstanding job under the conditions," Denlinger praised. "It's tough throwing when its as cold as it was tonight. But they remained focused and did the job we needed them to do."

Covington had several players record impressive statistics at the plate with Erin Christian leading the way with a 3-for-4 night, two double and two RBI.

Kristin Boggs was 3-for-3 with two RBI, while freshman Chloe Shell went 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Michelle Leistner and Katie Dickey went 2-for-3 on the afternoon as well.

"We had a number of kids step up tonight," said Denlinger. "Nearly our entire roster saw an opportunity at the plate and only one of the girls who batted didn't get a hit. That's getting it done at the plate."

Covington will look to get it done again on Thursday as Triad comes to town. The Lady Buccs hope to make amends for a disappointing loss to Triad in the regional tournament last year.

Scoring by Innings:
Anna ................0...0...3...0...1...0...0 - 4
Covington .........0...3...0...0...8...1...- - 12