Johnston County 12U Softball Team Wins State Title, Advances To Little League World Series

ARCHER LODGE, N.C. — For the first time in league history, the Johnston County Little League 12U Softball team is headed to the Little League Softball World Series after capturing the North Carolina State Championship.

Johnston County defeated Rowan Little League 6-0 in the championship game on July 9, earning a berth in the 2026 Little League Softball World Series, which will be played August 2-9 at Stallings Stadium in Greenville, N.C.

The state championship and World Series appearance are both firsts for the Johnston County Little League program.

The team dominated the state tournament, recording three shutouts while outscoring opponents 22-0.

In the championship game, Anna-Lynn Clark threw a one-hit shutout, striking out 14 batters while walking just two. Her performance earned her Tournament MVP honors.

At the plate, Abbey Robinson led the tournament with a 2.000 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

The team’s pitching depth also proved crucial throughout the tournament. Kathryn Utech opened tournament play with a two-hit shutout against Blue Ridge Mountains, striking out 10 batters. In the second game against Rutherford, Belle Cox pitched two hitless innings before combining with Clark on a no-hitter in a run-rule victory.

“I can’t say enough about the coaching staff of this team,” Johnston County Little League President Ronnie Correia 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. The Little League World Series is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.”

Johnston County Little League operates primarily in the Archer Lodge area and has served local youth since 1993. The league first chartered a softball division in 2023, and the program has grown rapidly in just a few years.

Archer Lodge Mayor Pro Tem Clyde Castleberry, who attended every game during the state tournament with his wife, Rhonda, praised the team’s chemistry and determination.

“The team from Johnston County are girls who have played a long time together, and you could see that,” Castleberry said. “Their fielding, batting, and an attitude that just wins everyone over makes them special and fun to watch. I look forward to seeing them play Canada on August 2nd. Go JoCo as the NC team!”

Archer Lodge Parks and Recreation Director Chris Allen said the team’s success reflects years of community support for youth athletics.

“We are incredibly proud of the Johnston County Little League 12U Softball Team for making history as State Champions and earning a trip to the Little League Softball World Series,” Allen said. “This remarkable achievement reflects the hard work of these young athletes, the dedication of their coaches, the unwavering support of their families, and a community that has invested in youth sports for generations.”

Allen added that the partnership between Archer Lodge and Johnston County Little League is about more than providing playing fields.

“Our partnership with Johnston County Little League is about more than providing a place to play – it’s about creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, teamwork, and character. As they represent Archer Lodge, Johnston County, and North Carolina on the world stage, they are inspiring the next generation and are showing what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support its youth.”

Johnston County advances directly to the World Series as North Carolina’s state champion because Greenville serves as the host site for the tournament, which expanded to 12 teams in 2022. Teams from across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe-Africa and the Asia-Pacific region will compete for the championship.

Johnston County opens World Series play against Canada on Sunday, August 2, at 7:00 p.m.

The 2026 Little League Softball World Series runs August 2-9, with all 22 games scheduled to be televised across ESPN platforms for the first time in the event’s history.

The game will be played at Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park in Greenville. Admission and parking are free.