CARTERSVILLE, GA - October 14, 2026 - The Ware County Lady Gators' Softball Team saw its 2026 season come to an end Wednesday afternoon after traveling to Cartersville to face the Purple Hurricanes in the opening round of the GHSA Class AAAAA State Playoffs.
Ware County entered the postseason as the Region 1-AAAAA Runner-Up and was looking to extend its season against a talented Cartersville squad. The Lady Gators battled to the final inning in the opening contest before falling 3-2. Cartersville followed with an 11-0 victory in the second game to complete the doubleheader sweep.
Game 1: Late Home Runs Highlight Lady Gators' Effort
The opening game was a competitive matchup that featured solid pitching and timely defensive plays from both teams.
Cartersville got on the scoreboard in the first inning with an RBI single from Allana Williams and added another run in the third to take a 2-0 lead.
Ware County struggled to get its offense going early but continued to battle as the game moved into the later innings.
In the top of the sixth, Teriayn Kirkland gave the Lady Gators a much-needed spark when she drove a solo home run over the center-field fence. The blast cut Cartersville's advantage to 2-1 and put Ware County right back in the contest.
The Purple Hurricanes added another run to extend their lead to 3-1, leaving the Lady Gators needing a late rally in their final opportunity at the plate.
Mattie Forsyth answered in the top of the seventh with a solo home run to right field, bringing Ware County within a run at 3-2. However, the Lady Gators were unable to push across the tying run, and Cartersville escaped with the one-run victory.
Kirkland got the start in the circle for Ware County and pitched three innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out one batter. The Lady Gators also turned a double play during the contest.
Offensively, Kirkland and Forsyth each finished with a hit and an RBI, accounting for Ware County's two runs.
Cartersville pitcher Zoie Shiflett went all seven innings, allowing just two hits while recording eight strikeouts. Sophia Harper and Allana Williams each collected two hits for the Purple Hurricanes.
Despite the loss, the Lady Gators showed plenty of fight in the final two innings and gave themselves an opportunity to extend the game.
Game 2: Purple Hurricanes Pull Away to End Ware County's Season
With their season on the line, the Lady Gators returned to the field for the second game of the afternoon hoping to force another contest in the opening-round series.
The game remained scoreless through the first two innings before Cartersville put together a five-run third inning.
The Purple Hurricanes took advantage of several Ware County defensive mistakes, along with timely hits and aggressive baserunning, to build their lead.
Ware County continued to work defensively to keep the game within reach, but Cartersville's offense proved difficult to contain.
The Purple Hurricanes added five more runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Sophia Harper and a two-run home run to center field by Avaree Sellers.
Cartersville eventually secured the 11-0 victory to complete the sweep and bring Ware County's postseason run to a close.
Kirkland once again started in the circle for the Lady Gators, pitching three innings and allowing five runs, with only one earned. She also recorded a strikeout.
Cartersville received a strong outing from Presley Crabbe, who held Ware County without a hit over five innings while striking out seven batters.
Sellers, Zoie Shiflett, and Izzy Tummins each recorded two hits for the Purple Hurricanes, who also finished with six stolen bases.
Lady Gators Finish as Region 1-AAAAA Runner-Up
Although Wednesday's results were not what Ware County had hoped for, the Lady Gators closed out a season that included several important accomplishments.
Ware County finished the 2026 campaign with an overall record of 13-17 and a Region 1-AAAAA record of 7-3, earning second place in the region standings and a spot in the GHSA Class AAAAA State Playoffs.
The Lady Gators faced their share of challenges throughout the season, including a demanding schedule and multiple weather-related disruptions that forced adjustments to games and playing locations.
Through it all, Ware County continued to compete and remained in contention in Region 1-AAAAA. The Lady Gators picked up several key region victories during the regular season, putting themselves in position to earn a postseason berth.
The second-place region finish was an accomplishment for a team that continued to work through adversity and compete against quality opponents throughout the year.
While the Lady Gators would have liked to continue their postseason journey, the 2026 season provided valuable experience and another opportunity for the program to compete on the state playoff stage.
Ware County Gator Athletics would like to recognize the players and coaching staff for their hard work, commitment, and dedication throughout the season. We would also like to thank the parents, families, and members of Gator Nation who supported the Lady Gators along the way.
Congratulations to the Ware County Lady Gators on their 2026 Region 1-AAAAA Runner-Up finish and GHSA State Playoff appearance!
For more photos, please click the link below.
10/14/2026: Ware @ Cartersville (DH) Playoffs Round 1 Photos
GO GATORS!