April 22, 2008 – COVINGTON
When your team scores 11 runs, connects for 17 and commits no errors, the coach is obviously happy.

Covington coach Dean Denlinger was just that after his Lady Buccs run-ruled rival Bradford 11-1 in five innings.

"We hit the ball very well tonight," said Denlinger. "Selanders is a very nice pitcher for Bradford. To hit the ball like we did against a pitcher like that is really a good night for us."

Neither team could score in the first two innings, but Covington broke loose in the third with two runs and then followed with five in the fourth and four in the fifth.

"We got the first couple of runs on sacrifices," Denlinger explained. "But in the fourth and fifth inning we had some opportunities to drive the ball. The girls really hit the ball hard tonight."

The usual cast of characters had big nights for Covingon at the plate as Erin Christian went 2-for-2 with a triple and four RBI and Kristen Boggs went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Michelle Leistner had a perfect night at the plate as she went 3-for-3.

But it was the play of Marissa McGillivary, Kristin Swabb and Kaitlen Wages that had Denlinger beaming with pride as each one singled in pinch-hit situations.

"Those three girls had big hits tonight," said Denlinger. "Kaitlen had a long single on a hit that bounced off the fence. I'm proud of those girls for coming through when we needed it."

Also coming through at the plate were Chloe Shell, Shelby Hoblit and Katie Dickey, who each went 2-for-3. Dickey had two RBI, while Shell and Hoblit each had one. Hoblit also doubled for Covington.

Chloe Shell pitched her way to a second straight win as she went the distance, struck out eight and allowed just two hits. She also didn't walk a single batter.

"Chloe was impressive," Denlinger praised of his freshman hurler. "Back-to-back wins for a freshman - that's not bad."

The victory pushes Covington's record to 8-6 and 4-2 in the CCC, but big games at Franklin Monroe, Fort Loramie and at home against Milton-Union loom on the horizon.

With injuries to three of his key performers in Erin Christian, Kristen Boggs and Jessica Shrout, Denlinger is hoping for quick recoveries.

"Those three are banged up pretty good," Denlinger said. "Erin didn't catch tonight and we didn't want to throw Kristen unless we absolutely had to. Hopefully we can get healthy in a hurry, because we have some tough games coming up in the near future."

Covington travels to Franklin Monroe on Thursday.

Scoring by Innings:
Bradford .......0...0...0...0...1 - 1 .. 2 .. 1
Covington ....0...0...2...5...4 - 11 .. 17 .. 0