Cartersville took a licking on the scoreboard, falling to Ringgold 14-0 Tuesday night, but there were some bright spots as several Lady Purple Hurricanes played well in spots.

"Tillery Tidwell, a freshman, got a hit for us and Tinsley Dodson made a really good defensive play," coach Rick Holsomback said.

He noted the pitching performance by Julia Shephard in the face of adversity on the field.

"Julia got beat up out there (hit by a ball, knocked over by a runner coming home from third), but they couldn't get her out of the game," he said.

The Lady Canes (0-1 in Region 7B-AAA) stayed close early Tuesday as Shephard fielded Ringgold's first batted ball of the contest for a putout at first.

One batter in the top of the frame got on base, courtesy of a walk, and advanced to third but could get no further. Meanwhile Shephard recorded her first strikeout and the out was preserved by a quick throw to first made necessary when the ball was dropped.

The Lady Canes weren't as successful in the top of the second, however, as two Lady Tigers made it home to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second, the Lady Canes' Tidwell singled to left field with one out but was erased the next play on a fielder's choice. Ringgold's pitcher closed out the frame with a strikeout.

Ringgold (2-4 in 7A-AAA) added two more runs in the top of the third and then sat the Lady Canes down in order at the plate.

The Lady Tigers added four more runs in the top of the fourth and Cartersville was unable to get a scoring threat in the bottom of the inning.

Six Lady Tigers crossed the plate in the top of the fifth as Ringgold claimed a 14-0 lead, ending scoring on the evening. The Lady Canes were once again sat down in order in the bottom of the frame.

Coach Holsomback said the Lady Canes are beginning to make some plays for the team and that should help them down the road.

"They're great kids and they're giving it their best effort," Holsomback said. "You can't ask any more than that of them."

The Lady Canes next play Allatoona on Thursday in Cartersville.