RUSSIA – The Covington Lady Buccs built a 9-5 lead over Russia heading into the bottom of the seventh, but things unraveled in a hurry in a heartbreaking 10-9 defeat.

Covington had so many opportunities to put the game away, but some critical mistakes gave Russia what it needed to steal a victory.

First, the Lady Buccs scored four runs in the second and still had the bases loaded with one out. Russia was able to prevent further damage by recording a double play.

Covington scored a run in the top of the fourth to take a 5-0 lead and was within one out of returning to the plate with a five-run lead in the top of the fourth. Unfortunately the lone error committed in the game by Covington led to two runs and some momentum for Russia.

The Lady Buccs went three up and three down in the top of the fifth and Russia carried its momentum in the bottom half of the inning by scoring two more runs to cut Covington’s advantage to 5-4. At that point, all four runs put up by Russia came with two outs.

Covington reclaimed the momentum by scoring two runs in the sixth and then two more runs in the seventh after Russia put one more run on the board in the bottom of the sixth.

Leading 9-5 with just three outs needed to secure a victory, things unravelled for the Lady Buccs in the bottom of the seventh as Covington surrendered four walks, a double, a single and a fielder’s choice that led to a five-run, walk-off inning for Russia.

Covington outhit Russia 14 to 7, but left eight runners on base to just four for Russia.

Overall, the game was a learning experience for a Covington team who has plenty of grit and determination. Despite the loss, the Lady Buccs have what it takes to rebound in a hurry.

The next challenge is a home game on Tuesday against another talented program, Riverside.