APRIL 3, 2010 - COVINGTON
The Covington Lady Buccs split a double-header with Indian Lake on Saturday, winning the first game 10-4 and dropping the second game 8-5.

"We're playing good competition and that's going to help us down the line," said Covington coach Dean Denlinger. "That's a nice program they (Indian Lake) has over there."

Covington rattled Indian Lake's ace pitcher in the first contest, tallying 12 hits and using two big innings to record a total of 10 runs in the contest. The Lady Buccs scored 4 runs in the third and 6 runs in the sixth after Indian Lake tied the score at 4-4 with a big inning of their own in the top of the sixth.

"Halley (Roberts) pitched five great innings in thee first game and we took her out because her shoulder was hurting a little bit," Denlinger explained. "We brought in Casey Yingst and she pitched pretty well, but we made some mental mistakes that didn't help her out. Chloe Shell got the win for us."

Through five innings, Roberts only allowed one hit and didn't allow a single walk while holding Indian Lake scoreless. She also struck out seven batters.

Covington jumped on Indian Lake with three runs in the first inning of the second game, but couldn't make it hold up as three errors in the field became its downfall.

"We didn't play very well defensively at all," Denlinger said. "Our pitched well enough for us, but we didn't help them out in the field."

Shell started the contest and went five and two-thirds before being relieved by Yingst in a contest riddled with cold rain and gusty winds. The game was even delayed for nearly an hour due to the weather.

"The day started out perfect as far as weather, but it started raining and got cold as the day wore on," Denliger said. "But that's not an excuse because they (Indian Lake) had to play in it too."

Holding a 5-2 lead after four innings, Covington saw the lead evaporate in the fifth and sixth as Indian Lake scored a combined 6 runs in the two innings.

"We lost our focus today and that's uncharacteristic of this team" Denlinger explained. "There were chances for us to sweep today, but we didn't take advantage of the opportunities. It's a good learning experience for us."

Hannah Pond had a big day at the plate, going 4-7 combined in the two contests. She also stole four bases and batted in three runs.

"Hannah Pond was big for us," Denlinger said. "She made plays out there."

Aubrye Cain went 3-5, while Carole Bayse drove in four runs on her three hits on the afternoon.

"We hit the ball well, especially in the first game against their starter," said Denlinger. "The second game we were thrown off a little bit by their slower pitcher, bit overall we hit the ball well today."

Also having a nice performance at the plate for Covington was Sarah Westfall, who went 3-5 with a double and 3 RBI. Her effort continued an impressive few days and came off a game-winning hit against Graham on Thursday.

"Sarah's had a couple big games for us lately," Denlinger praised.

Overall, it's been a good first week of the season for Covington as it improves to 4-1 overall against stiff competition.

"Every team we've played so far is in a higher division than us," Delinger explained. "We want to play the best competition we can find in our non-conference schedule and we've managed to get some good programs on our schedule. This will make us better in the long run."

Another solid program is next on the schedule as Versailles comes to Covington on Monday.

GAME ONE: SCORING BY INNINGS
Indian Lake ...........0...0...0...0...0...4...0 - 4 .. 3 .. 2
Covington ..............0...0...4...0...0...6...x - 10 .. 12 .. 0

GAME TWO: SCORING BY INNINGS
Indian Lake ...........0...1...0...1...3...3...0 - 8 .. 9 .. 0
Covington ..............3...0...0...2...0...0...x - 5 .. 6 .. 3