April 29, 2008 – PLEASANT
Covington and Newton have been so evenly matched over he years that the team with the least amount of mistakes normally wins.

That was the case a year ago when Covington captured a 6-4 win thanks to some untimely errors by Newton.

It was the case Tuesday as Covington committed three errors, which Newton capitalized on for a four-run first inning and a 7-2 victory.

"We had a lot of mental mistakes tonight," said Covington coach Dean Denlinger. "It wasn't just the overthrown balls, but not covering bases like we're suppose to. It's disappointing."

The Lady Buccs had their chances to get out of the first inning without allowing any runs, but an overthrown ball to first and a miscommunication on a bunt kept extended Newton's opportunities at the plate.

The Lady Indians took advantage with timely hits and solid base running to manufacture a 4-0 lead.

"That was a big point in the game," Denlinger said in regards to the first inning. "If we make those routine plays, we face four batters. Instead we ace eight batters and they put four runs on the board."

As all good teams do, Newton kept the pressure on Covington in the next two innings with a run in the second and two more in the third to push its lead to 7-1.

Covington appeared to capture some momentum in the fourth as Kristen Boggs connected for a solo home run that cleared the right field fence.

But the Lady Buccs could only managed three hits on the afternoon off of Newton pitcher Ashley Stewart.

Stewart went the distance, allowing one earned run and striking out seven batters.

"She pitched a nice game for them," said Denlinger. "But for us to only have three hits after having 22 over the weekend is extremely disappointing."

Chloe Shell, Covington's starting pitcher, wasn't as fortunate.

She went three innings, allowed six hits and struck out four batters.

"Chloe pitched well enough for us to do a lot better than we did," explained Denlinger. "We didn't help her at all defensively."

Kristen Boggs replaced Shell in the fourth inning and finished the game without allowing a hit or any more runs.

"It was good to see Kristen come back," Denlinger said. "She's still hurting a lot, but she battled out there."

The loss drops Covington's record to 12-7 overall and virtually ends all hopes of a conference championship as it falls to 5-3.

But the Lady Buccs can play spoiler as they host Tri-Village on Wednesday.

Scoring by Innings:
Covington ....0...0...1...1...0...0...0 - 2 ... 3 ... 3
Newton .........4...1...2...0...0...0...x - 7 ... 6 ... 1