April 24, 2009 - BRADFORD
It was a tale of two programs at different stages as the more experienced Covington Lady Buccs defeated a youthful Bradford team 11-0 in six innings on Friday.

And Covington coach Dean Denlinger didn't hesitate to credit his defense for recording a fifth straight shutout.

"We're doing some really nice things defensively," said Denlinger. "It's the little things like defending the slaps and just being where we need to be at every position."

Covington did have three errors, the first in the past six games, but the errors came late in the game when the outcome was virtually decided.

"That's our strength," continued Denlinger in regards to his team's defense. "We have pretty good pitching as well. Once our hitting catches up with our defense we'll be hard to beat."

And Denlinger's proudest defensive effort came from Kristen Swabb in the bottom of the sixth inning as she recorded two of the final three outs to end the contest.

"Swabby is such a great kid and for her to come in and get those two outs was a nice way for this game to end," said Denlinger. "What a crowd pleaser that girl is. Everyone roots for her because she gives everything she has to this team."

Covington also received an outstanding effort on the mound from Halley Roberts, who threw her first career no-hitter. She struck out six and didn't give up a walk, which would have been a perfect game if it wasn't for the three errors.

"Halley was in a pitcher's zone tonight," Denlinger said. "She hit her locations and I thought she got in the heads of their hitters a little bit."

Which can happen to a young team like Bradford, but Denlinger saw signs that the Lady Railroaders are a team on the rise.

"You know, Eric McReynolds does a great job with that team," praised Denlinger. "They're just really young right now."

Which cost Bradford as it committed three errors at critical times - one in a three-run second inning and two more in a five-run sixth inning.

"You can see they have a lot of talent and athletic ability on that team," Denlinger continued. "Their attitudes are outstanding. They never got down and you could always hear them supporting each other in the dugout. Once they mature playing the game, they'll be a handful. They have a very bright future."

So does Covington as evident by the solid, all-around effort.

To go along with the pitching and defense, the Lady Buccs connected for 11 hits on the night.

"We hit the ball fairly well," said Denlinger. "Katie Dickey had a big night."

Which is an understatement as the senior started things off in the first inning with a solo home run and finished the contest with three hits in four at bats with a double, a home run, one stolen base and three runs scored.

Kristen Boggs and Carole Bayse both went 2-3 with Boggs recording a triple and Bayse pounding in two runs.

The victory improves Covington to 13-1 overall and 4-1 in the Cross County Conference.

The Lady Buccs travel to Franklin Monroe on Tuesday.

Scoring by Innings:
Covington ...........1...3...0...1...2...5 - 11 - 11 - 3
Bradford ..............0...0...0...0...0...0 - 0 - 0 - 3