Katie O'Connor had eight kills and five blocks for the Lady Purple Hurricanes, and Samantha Conley contributed 29 assists and two aces. Janezka Cruz added seven kills and six aces, and Emily Williams had four kills.
"We've definitely improved," Cartersville coach Scott Busby said. "We got two big wins that help us (with) seeding going into the area tournament. The girls are playing well."
The Lady Canes seem to taking heed to what their coaches have told them.
"That's one of the things we've been preaching all year -- defense wins," said Busby, whose team was hosting its first matches of the season.
Cartersville got the kind of defense its coaches had been looking for, including key defense from Williams and Cruz, he said.
"There were three key defensive plays that really changed the whole atmosphere of the game, and we definitely won all the hustle points tonight and that was key," Busby continued. "Those are the kind of defensive plays that kind of take the wind out of the other team."
The Lady Canes (7-6, 2-0) travel to play North Cobb Christian at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Lady Eagles held hitless in 1st loss of season
Excel Christian suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday in a softball game at top-ranked Gordon Lee.
The Lady Trojans, ranked No. 1 in the Class A PrepCountry.com Coaches' poll, shut out the Lady Eagles, 7-0, holding them hitless in seven innings.
Abby Hibbard represented Excel's only baserunner when she was hit by a pitch during the game.
In addition to their offensive futility, the Lady Eagles also struggled in the field, where they committed seven errors.
Janna Scheff pitched six innings for Excel, giving up two earned runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out one.
The Lady Eagles (5-1, 2-1 Region 6A-A), No. 6 in the latest coaches' poll, return to action Thursday as they travel to Chattooga County to face Trion. The game begins at 5 p.m.
Lady Canes' game with Ridgeland rescheduled
The Cartersville softball team will host Ridgeland today after the two teams' matchup was moved from Tuesday. The game will be one of two games the Lady Purple Hurricanes host this week. Cartersville (0-5, 0-2 Region 7B-AAA) also hosts Cedartown Thursday. Both home games begin at 5:55 p.m.