April 7, 2008 – GREENVILLE
Covington softball coach Dean Denlinger wasn't happy with the effort of his Lady Buccs in a 12-7 loss to Triad four days ago, so there was some extra motivation as Covington traveled to face the defending state champions in Greenville, Monday.

Despite falling 4-1, the frustration Delinger faced four days ago was replaced with pride in how hard his team played.

"The girls came to play tonight and it showed," said Denlinger. "The intensity and effort the kids played with was what we want to see every night out."

Covington had its chances to capture a win, but had two critical mistakes running the bases that nullified potential runs.

"We are aggressive running the bases," Denlinger explained. "Shelby (Hoblit) simply slipped rounding third and was thrown out. On the other one Katie (Dickey) sort of got caught in no-man's land between third and home. Those are two runs we would have liked to have."

Greenville started the contest with two runs in the first as Covington starter Jessica Shrout had trouble finding the strike zone.

But the senior settled in throughout the remainder of the contest to pitch a four-hitter.

Jessica pitched really well," said Denlinger. "We were going after the corners from the beginning, but weren't getting the calls. Once Jessica found the strike zone she pitched well. She had control of her pitches all night."

Trailing 2-1 in the top of the fourth, Covington finally got on the board as Erin Christian scored on a sacrifice.

But the Lady Buccs left two runners on base in the inning and failed to cross the plate again.

"We left seven runners on tonight," Denlinger stated. "We made contact on the ball, but were never able to get the hit to score runs."

Covington's defense was stellar as Jessica Snipes and Katie Dickey each made spectacular catches in the outfield to prevent Greenville runs.

"The play of our defense was outstanding," praised the Covington coach. "Those two catches by Jessica (Snipes) and Katie (Dickey) were phenomenal."

The Lady Buccs did have two errors, but they were on well hit balls.

Covington recorded five hits in the contest and allowed just four.

"I was told they have been putting up 20 runs on some teams, so to hold them to four hits is impressive," Denlinger said. "When we play with the heart, passion and intensity we played with tonight, we can play with anybody."

After two straight losses to teams that were in the state finals a year ago, the Lady Buccs' record stands at 1-2.

Covington's schedule doesn't ease up as it travels to Vandalia-Bulter tomorrow night.

Scoring by Innings:
Covington ...........0...0...0...1...0...0...0 - 1 .. 5 .. 2
Greenville ...........2...0...0...0...2...0...x - 4 .. 4 .. 0