Cartersville softball falls to Longhorns in tourney opener

October 30, 2025

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

Kennedy Crenshaw had one of only two hits by the Lady Canes on Thursday in their first-round loss to Kell at the state tournament in Columbus.

On Thursday, Cartersville's softball team was defeated in its opening game at the 2025 Class 4A Elite Eight State Finals Tournament, held at the Olympic Softball Park in Columbus. The Lady Canes were unable to score against the Kell Longhorns, losing 6-0.

Kell scored three runs in the top of the first inning and added two more in the second to build an early 5-0 advantage.  The Longhorns added one more run in the fourth inning.

Kell pitcher Lyla Morici struck out eight, scattered two hits, and issued one walk to earn a shutout in the circle.

Cartersville’s Kinsey Woodard and Kennedy Crenshaw had the only base hits for the Lady Canes.

Zoie Shiflett made the pitching start for Cartersville and was touched for six runs (five earned) on 11 hits and one walk through four innings. Presley Crabbe allowed just one hit and struck out five over the final three frames. 

Kell (27-3) advanced to a 5 p.m. game Thursday evening in the double-elimination tournament against Central-Carroll. The Lions (27-8) defeated Pace Academy 9-0 in the first round.

Cartersville (29-5) falls to the loser’s bracket and will play on Friday at 9 a.m. in an elimination game against Pace Academy (21-13). With wins in the elimination bracket, the Lady Canes could play at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday.