Information provided by Ronnie Correia

ARCHER LODGE — The Johnston County 12U Softball All-Stars captured the 2026 North Carolina State Championship this past week. The team breezed through the field, outscoring their opponents, 22-0.

Roughly 1,000 people attended the final, where Anna-Lynn Clark tossed a one-hit shutout, striking out 14 strikeouts while walking only two en route to being named tournament MVP.  

Abbey Robinson led all hitters for the tournament with a 2.000 OPS (on base, plus slugging). Kathryn Utech added to the pitching depth with a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts in the tournament opener against Blue Ridge Mountains. Belle Cox started the second game against Rutherford, pitching two innings while not allowing a hit. She and Clark combined for a no-hitter in a run-rule shortened game.  

“I can’t say enough about the coaching staff of this team,” Ronnie Correia, Johnston County Little League President, said. “Manager Ben Catarozzoli and assistant coaches Todd Utech and Jerome Godwin have committed a lot to these girls and this team, and the girls have bought into their system.”  

With that win, Johnston County advanced to the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville.  Their first game will be Sunday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. against Canada. Attendance is free, and the game will also be broadcast on ESPN 2.  

“This is a massive event for softball in Johnston County,” Correia said. “The Little League World Series is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that can’t just be entered into like today’s travel tournaments. You have to earn your spot and you have to live in the community you represent. Johnston County Little League committed a long time ago to accept all skill level kids for both baseball and softball. We house competitive regular season divisions and that leads to successful all-star teams. 

“This team has surpassed all of them and realized a dream that myself and a small group had many years ago when we drew the Johnston County Little League boundaries and charter in 2023.”

The final out of the state title game: