APRIL 28, 2010 - COVINGTON
You'd think an unranked Division IV team would be intimidated looking across the field and seeing the top ranked Division II team in the state in the other dugout. Especially when the pitcher on the other side throws well into the upper sixties and is widely considered one of the top pitchers in the state of Ohio.

But there was no intimidation for the Covington Lady Buccs softball team as they took on Greenville. Instead, it was a team excited for the opportunity to test itself against the best in the state.

"We couldn't wait to play them," said Covington coach Dean Denlinger. "They (Greenville) could very well win state in Division II, but the kids were excited to play them."

And it showed as Covington played inspired softball, shocking Greenville with a 5-4 victory.

"This is a big, big win," Denlinger continued. "That's a very well coached and well rounded softball team without any weaknesses. And we just proved we can beat anybody when we play our best softball."

Actually, Covington didn't play its best softball over the entire seven innings as a mental mistake resulted in a Greenville run in the second inning. An immediate timeout for Covington was called as Denlinger went out to the mound to give his infield a tongue lashing.

"I told the girls that we were not going to let them beat us on our mistakes," Denlinger explained. "If they beat us because of the things they do, that's fine. Our defense is the strength of our team and we were not going to let them beat us by making silly mistakes."

Covington responded by playing nearly flawless the rest of the way, which allowed the Lady Bucc offense to get untracked with a run in the bottom of the third inning on a passed ball that Aubrye Cain scored on from third.

The following inning Covington used the long ball to take its first lead of the game.

First, Shelby Hoblit timed up Greenville pitcher Jordyn Fisherback with a solo shot over the left field fence.

Freshman Connor Schaffer then lined a well-hit ball to left field that was caught for an out, but the emotion and intensity in the Covington dugout intensified as it became apparent the hitters found the timing on Fisherback's pitches.

"You could sense something big from the emotion in the dugout," said Denlinger. "The girls picked each other up and fed off each other."

The emotion carried over to the next batter, Halley Roberts. The senior drilled a towering home run in dead center field, the second solo home run of the inning.

"That was a 2-2 count," described Denlinger of Robert's home run. "Halley got the barrel of the bat through the zone. Against that kind of speed, that shows some quick hands."

Greenville tied the game with a run in the top of the fifth, but Covington responded with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 5-3 lead.

After a scoreless sixth inning, the anticipation hit an all-time high as Covington was within three outs from a thrilling victory.

But Greenville showed why it's a state power as it wouldn't go quietly. The Green Wave hit a home run with no outs in the top of the seventh to close the gap to 5-4.

Fortunately Covington managed to record the three outs it needed to preserve the win.

"The girls really fought tonight," said Denlinger. "They wanted to win this game so bad."

Chloe Shell threw six innings and into the top of the seventh before being replaced by Halley Roberts.

"Chloe did a great job out there, just a gutsy performance by her," Denlinger praised. "She got into some jams, but managed to battle her way out of it."

Roberts faced four batters in the top of the seventh to record the save.

"Halley wanted to come in so bad," said Denlinger. "She's played with a lot of those kids (from Greenville) and she had something to prove."

Whatever point Roberts wanted to make was made as she went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double, a home run, two stolen bases, three RBI and scored a run.

Aubrye Cain also has a big day, going 3-for-4 with two double and scoring two runs.

Shelby Hoblit had the solo home run, while Hannah Pond singled and scored a run.

"Every run we scored was earned," Denlinger said. "We had eight hits against a very good pitcher."

The victory improves Covington to 16-3 overall and Denlinger credits his senior leadership for the success to this point of the season.

"Our senior leadership is gelling right now," he said. "We only have 17 kids on the team and 16 who are able to play right now. Plus, a lot of these kids are freshman. That just shows you how important the leadership we are getting from our seniors is to this team."

As big as this victory is for Covington, it will be short lived as a trip to rival Newton is tomorrow night.

"We have to maintain this focus and intensity against Newton," Denlinger stated. "They (Newton) will be ready to play, I can guarantee you that."

And Covington will be looking to duplicate its effort from tonight.

SCORING BY INNINGS:
Greenville .......0...2...0...0...1...0...1 - 4 - 10 - 0
Covington .......0...0...1...2...2...0...x - 5 - 8 - 1