MAY 5, 2009 - NEW MADISON
The 11 runs Covington scored in the top of the seventh inning against Tri-Village was the icing on the cake for a team looking to build some momentum heading into three straight games that will likely decide the conference championship.

Covington now faces Newton, Ansonia and Twin Valley South in three straight days - each team within striking distance of claiming the CCC title along with Miami East, who gave the Lady Buccs one of their two losses.

"The next three days should decide the conference championship," said Covington coach Dean Denlinger. "Those are three really good teams that can compete with anybody. I also feel Miami East and us can compete with anybody as well, so our conference is as tough as it gets."

What makes the five teams still alive in the conference race so special is the balance each team has - and pitching.

"For sure, all five teams are great programs," Denlinger said. "For us, we have to face three premium pitchers in three days."

Covington also has premium pitching in Chloe Shell, Halley Roberts and Kristen Boggs. But it was Roberts' turn to shine Tuesday as the junior went the distance and recorded a one-hitter.

She also struck out 14 of the 23 batters she faced and allowed just two walks.

"Halley was in a nice pitching zone tonight," said Denlinger. "She kept the ball low and hit her spots."

Meanwhile, he Covington hitters found their zone after a scoreless second inning.

"We scored three runs in the first inning, but hadn't really timed their pitcher very well," described Denlinger. "Beyond the second inning, the girls started to time their pitcher and we hit the ball really well after that."

The 18 hits Covington had was proof of that and the eleventh runs in the top of the seventh capped the 18-0 victory.

Shelby Hoblit had a perfect day at the plate by going 4-4 with four RBI, while Kristen Boggs went 3-4 with two doubles and two RBI.

Michelle Leistner went 1-2 with two RBI and Halley Roberts helped herself out with two RBI on a 1-3 day.

Sarah Westfall drove in a run as well, but the performance of Kristen Swabb stood out as a performance that made Denlinger proud. Swabb went 1-1 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored.

"Swabby had a nice game," said Denlinger. "She really works hard and we can always count on her to give her best effort. It was nice to see her come in late in the game and have an impact."

The victory improves Covington's record to 17-2 overall and 7-1 in the Cross County Conference.

But the next three days will tell the story on the regular season, beginning with rival Newton tomorrow night at Covington High School.

SCORING BY INNINGS:
Covington .........3...0...1...0...3...2...11 - 18 - 18 - 1
Tri-Village .........0...0...0...0...0...0.....0 - 0 - 1 - 1