The Lady Buccs began the season with a dominant performance against Fairlawn...winning in three games.

August 28, 2006 – FAIRLAWN
For the Covington Lady Buccs to have a chance to fulfill the high expectations set for themselves, head coach Stephanie Robinson knew a fast start to the season was a must.

So, after a 3 games to 0 victory over Fairlawn in the Hanger, Robinson was more than pleased.

"This was a very important game for us," said Robinson. "We had high expectations last year, but lost our first three games and really never recovered. That's why winning this first game was so important. It gave us some confidence instead of heading into our next game fighting an uphill battle."

It took Covington a little time to get into the groove as Fairlawn jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first game.

Covington battled back to eventually tie the score at 12-12 until a big kill my Meredith Tobias gave the Lady Buccs their first lead of the match.

With momentum on its side, Covington outscored Fairlawn 13-7 to take a 25-19 win.

"We seemed to be a little timid early in the first game," Robinson said. "A lot of that had to do with Fairlawn because we were killing the ball and they kept digging them up. The girls kept their composure and eventually took control."

Fairlawn battled back in the second game to build what appeared to be an 8-4 lead.

But, the wrong player served the point, giving Covington a point, the serve and the momentum.

"That was a big break for us," Robinson said. "They (Fairlawn) put together a nice run and it killed their momentum."

Covington took advantage as Alex Christian pounded out 10 of her 21 kills in the second game to lead the Lady Buccs to a 25-21 win.

"The girls hit the ball well tonight," said Robinson. "It started with our serve receive because it gave our setter (Meredith Tobias) the opportunity to keep us in system."

Tasting victory, Covington opened the third and eventually deciding game with an 11-2 run. But Fairlawn wouldn't concede anything and managed to cut the margin to 22-19, which forced a Covington timeout.

"We had to regroup," Robinson described. "It was hot in the gym and the girls were feeling it. It gave them a chance to catch their breath and refocus on what they had to do."

Covington responded as Laynie Fulks served out the final three points for the 25-19 win and a three-game sweep.

"I'm very pleased with the maturity the girls showed tonight," said Robinson. "We never came unraveled when Fairlawn would go on a run. The girls stayed focused and played through the adversity. I'm so proud of them because they stuck together and rallied behind each other.

"No one person stood out. Everyone played their roles and that's what it will take for us to be successful from here on out."

Michelle Barhorst had 12 kills, three blocks, 17 digs and one ace.

LauriKate Baymen recorded 15 kills, 12 digs and one save.

Alex Christian pounded out 21 kills, four blocks and nine digs.

Meredith Tobias had 54 assists, four kills and four digs.

Laynie Fulks recorded 10 digs, one kills and one ace.

Holly Tobias had two kills, two blocks and four digs.

Alysaa Angle had five kills, two blocks, five digs and one ace.

Covington travels to Franklin Monroe on Thursday to open Cross County Conference play.

JV Score: Fairlawn won 2 games to 0 by the scores of 25-18, 25-18.