MARCH 30, 2010 - ANNA
The Covington Lady Buccs opened the season in impressive fashion with an 8-0 victory at Anna, Tuesday as seven players contributed in the nine hits on the afternoon.

Hannah Pond went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Carole Bayse, Chloe Shell, Aubrye Cain, Connor Schaffer, Brittanie Flora, Shelby Hoblit and Halley Roberts all recorded hits on the afternoon.

Shelby Hoblit had 2 RBI and Chloe Shell scored 2 runs.

"We were able to get 14 girls into the game and I've very happy with that," said Covington coach Dean Denlinger. "Our freshman did very well off the bench."

Covington's pitching was outstanding for the first time out as Chloe Shell and Halley Roberts combined for the shutout. Shell went five innings, striking out 6 batters and allowed just three hits and no walks. Roberts hurled one inning, striking out two and allowing one hit.

"Our pitching is pretty good," Denlinger said. "And we have several other girls who can pitch as well. (Depth at pitcher) It's a great position to be in."

Covington put the pressure on Anna in the opening inning by putting two runs on the board. The Lady Buccs added another run in the second inning for a 3-0 lead.

That margin would stand until the top of the sixth as the contest became a pitcher's dual. But Covington broke open the flood gates in the sixth with five runs to put the game away.

Covington (1-0) hosts West Milton on Wednesday and Graham on Thursday.

"We have some tough out of conference games here in the first week of the season, which is good," Denlinger said. "I'm anxious to see how our girls respond against the bigger schools."

If the youth on the roster continues to step up and the pitching remains solid, the Lady Buccs will be tough to beat.

Scoring by Innings:
Covington ...........2....1....0....0....0....5 - 8 .. 9 .. 1
Anna ....................0....0....0....0....0....0 - 0 .. 4 .. 1