April 12, 208 – RUSSIA
In each of Covington's four losses the Lady Buccs were within a play or two of capturing wins. Instead, they've fell just short and entered Saturday's double-header with Russia sporting a 2-4 record.

"We've had opportunities to win every game we've played," said Covington coach Dean Denlinger. "We've played a tough schedule too, but that's what we want. It helps build character."

The character of the Lady Buccs showed as they rallied in the top of the seventh in the first game of the double-header after Russia tied the score 4-4 with a run in the bottom of the sixth.

Both Jessica Snipes and Michelle Leistner crossed the plate on RBIs by Erin Christian and Carole Bayse.

"The girls never got discouraged," Denlinger said. "We challenged their hitters in the six and they got a big hit to tie the game, but the girls came right back in the seventh and got the job done."

Covington made it look easy in the second game as it took a 21-5 victory in five innings.

"We're hitting the ball well," said Denlinger. "We had chances in the first game to bust the game open, but we took advantage of those chances in the second game."

Erin Christian had a monster afternoon by going 6-for-7 at the plate with a home run, a double and eight RBI. She also stole three bases and picked off two runners as the catcher.

"Erin had an unbelievable day," praised Denlinger. "She's just a solid all-around player. There's nothing she can't do out there."

Carole Bayse also had a big day as she went 4-for-8 with a double and 2 RBI. Bayse's performance was pleasing to her coach as she has had some potential hits stolen from her in previous game with outstanding defensive plays.

"Carole is hitting the ball very well," Denlinger said. "She deserves to have a day like this. She had a nice hit against Greenville that their center fielder made a great play on, so it was good to see her do so well."

Sarah Westfall went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run in the second game, while Chloe Shell went 3-for-3 with two doubles. Kristen Boggs recorded 4 RBI in the second game on a 2-for-3 performance.

Jessica Shrout went the distance in the first game of the double-header with 10 strikeouts and just one walk.

Kristen Boggs, Chloe Shell and Halley Roberts all contributed in the second game as they combined to record a three-hitter.

"Our pitching has been pretty solid all year," said Denlinger. "All four girls did an outstanding job today."

Covington's entire roster saw an opportunity at the plate as the Lady Buccs pounded out 27 hits in the two games.

"All fifteen kids played and fourteen had at least one hit," stated Denlinger. "I'm pretty pleased with the entire team with the way they play and how unselfish they are. They are all just as excited when a teammate gets a hit as they are when they do it themselves."

Denlinger felt his team was in for a big afternoon before his team got on the bus to leave the school.

"I had a good feeling because the girls were so loose," he said. "Our managers (Karli Shell and Jessie Crowell) are a big part of that. When I was getting ready to get on the bus, the girls had Karli stuffed in a bucket. All you could see was her feet and head. It was the funniest thing. Karli enjoyed it too. I knew then that the girls were ready to play today."

Covington was ready to play and it led to a memorable afternoon and evened its record to 4-4 on the season.

The Lady Buccs look to get the bucket out again on Monday as they host New Bremen.

FIRST GAME OF DOUBLE-HEADER...
Scoring by Innings:
Covington ........1...0...2...0...1...0...2 - 6 .. 18 .. 0
Russia ..............1...2...0...0...0...1...0 - 4 .. 7 .... 2

SECOND GAME OF DOUBLE-HEADER...
Scoring by Innings:
Covington ........2...6...7...4...2 - 21 .. 19 .. 0
Russia ..............1...0...0...0...4 - 5 .......3 .. 0