April 18, 2009 - NEW BREMEN
Everything went right for the Covington Lady Buccs on Saturday as they defeated a talented New Bremen team 4-0 and 5-0 in a double-header.

"That's a nice ball club," said Covington coach Dean Denlinger of New Bremen. "They have some very nice players and are well coached. We just beat a good team twice today."

You could tell it was Covington's day as junior Halley Roberts and sophomore Chloe Shell each went seven innings and allowed a combined six hits in the two shutout wins.

Roberts, who went the distance in the opening contest, struck out nine batters, while Shell pitched the second game and struck out six batters.

But as well as the two pitched, the defense behind them was as good as it gets as Covington didn't commit a single error and managed to come up with big plays all day - one a diving snag by Kristen Boggs at shortstop and another a leaping catch by Katie Dickey in center field.

And while things were working in the field, the Lady Buccs put together a strong effort offensively against an outstanding defensive team.

Covington tallied eight hits in the first game and scored a run in the first, a run in the third and two in the fourth for a 4-0 win.

The Lady Buccs connected on six hits in the second game in a 5-0 victory.

Proof that things were going Covington's way came in the top of the second as Hannah Pond laid down a bunt and Halley Roberts snuck behind the New Bremen catcher to score.

"That was a great play," said Denlinger. "Hannah put down the bunt and it didn't go very far. Their catcher didn't even see Halley coming until it was too late. Halley did a nice job of sliding around the tag and getting a hand on the back of the plate."

Another sequence that went Covington's way came on a Michelle Leistner line drive to the left field fence. The speedy senior had a stand-up triple, but managed to stretch the hit for a run as New Bremen didn't hit the cut-off.

And Covington took advantage of the momentum for a three-run inning and a 5-0 victory.

Several players had big days at the plate with Kristen Boggs leading the charge once again with a 4-7 day, three doubles and three RBI in the two games.

Hannah Pond was 3-6 with a double, a stolen base and an RBI, while Halley Roberts was 3-6 with a double, a stolen base and two RBI.

Katie Dickey doubled in the first game and Leistner hit the triple that resulted in a run on the throwing error.

"You know, I can't really say much about any one individual because this was an entire team effort," Denlinger said. "The girls are having so much fun right now and that's what this is all about."

At 11-1, the fun Covington is having is obvious.

"Not to many thought we'd be 11-1 right now, but we are and that's because of the attitudes of these kids," Denlinger explained. "I know I've said this before, but the girls are buying into what we are teaching. It shows on the field by the way we are playing."

Covington hopes to keep the fun going on Tuesday as it hosts a talented Twin Valley South team.

GAME ONE SCORING:
Covington ..............1...0...1...2...0...0...0 - 4 - 8 - 0
New Bremen .........0...0...0...0...0...0...0 - 0 - 3 - 0

GAME TWO SCORING:
Covington ..............0...1...3...0...1...0...0 - 5 - 6 - 0
New Bremen .........0...0...0...0...0...0...0 - 0 - 3 - 2