Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - After several days of playing in the rain and mud, the Cherryville 6U Sweetees All-Stars captured their first World Series title on a hot and steamy Tuesday. This was the first World Series hosted by South Brunswick. The tournament took place July 24-28, 2026, at Town Creek District Park in Winnabow, NC. The weather might have been unpredictable, temperatures were near 100 degrees, and many days were filled with rain showers, but the Cherryville All-Stars were very consistent. Earlier in the month, they had cruised to 5 straight wins in the NC State tournament, outscoring their opponents 96-11 en route to their third straight state title and first World Series appearance. They displayed the same type of dominance in the World Series, going undefeated. "They never complained, never quit, and never let the conditions affect the way they played. They absolutely showed grit and perseverance to come from behind and get a big win!" – Coach Lacey Branham.
Cherryville has been known as a baseball town for many decades; now, the ladies are carving their niche into that tradition, as they are quickly establishing this small Piedmont town as an up-and-coming softball town at several levels as well. Coaching this team is Jeremy Branham, Lacey Branham, Chase Beam, and Luke Hovis. When asked about her team's incredible performance during the week, Coach Lacey Branham stated, "More than anything, these girls showed heart, resilience, and teamwork beyond their years. They supported one another, trusted each other, and played the game the right way from the first pitch to the last. Watching them represent our community on the biggest stage and bring home a World Series Championship has been an unforgettable experience for all of us."
Cherryville kicked things off Saturday morning in a wet and muddy game. The weather did not slow the Cherryville All-Stars, who made easy work of Ruston, LA. winning 17-6. There was a full schedule on Sunday as most of the games from Saturday had been rained out. Montgomery, AL. gave them a close game; in the end, Cherryville was victorious, 9-7. Due to the revised schedule, they had another game later in the day. This one was much easier, as they took care of Halifax, VA., by a score of 17-6. Day three was a rainy Monday with many delays and reschedules. The game against defending champions Alexandria, LA, finally got underway in the late evening. The rain and dark had no negative effects as the sweetees destroyed last year's champs 21-8. By the conclusion of the night, Cherryville remained the lone undefeated team. This was a huge advantage heading into the final day of the double-elimination tournament.
Things began bright and early on Tuesday at 9 am as Cherryville squared off against Ruston, LA, in a rematch. The weather was much warmer on Day 4, and there were no downpours of rain. The weather was different, but the game's outcome was the same. Cherryville eliminated Ruston All-Stars 18-11. The victory meant the Cherryville 6U Sweetees would only need to win one game in the championship round to capture the series title. Montgomery, AL, had survived the elimination bracket to face Cherryville. They gave Cherryville all they could handle but would eventually come up short, falling 18-15 in a thriller worthy of a championship game.
During the Sweetees 6U World Series, Cherryville had won most games easily; this one was different. Montgomery did not go down without a fight, and these young ladies proved to be worthy opponents. Cherryville was the designated visitor in this bout. They ran out to an early 4-0 lead and looked as if they might put the game away early, but the All-Stars from Alabama had other plans. They roared back in the bottom of the inning and took a 5-4 lead. Cherryville was held scoreless in the second, and Montgomery put up 7 more runs, and suddenly Cherryville was in unfamiliar territory, down by 8 in the second game today, as they now trailed 12-4. After a scoreless third inning, it began to look as if Montgomery would force a second game. Cherryville began to claw its way back, adding 6 runs in the top of the fourth and holding Montgomery scoreless for the second consecutive inning. Trailing 12-10, Cherryville scored 5 runs to begin the fifth, but Montgomery came right back and added 3 of their own as the teams headed into the final frame knotted at 15. Cherryville scored 3 runs in the sixth and kept Montgomery off the board as Cherryville erased an 8-run deficit and came back to win the Dixie Softball Sweetees World Series! In this contest, Cherryville collected 24 hits and stole 11 bases. Montgomery had 26 hits and stole 11 bases.
This team was solid from top to bottom with no weak spots, at the plate or in the field. Scoring 100 runs in six games shows dominance in the batter's box, but they were just as incredible on defense. The infield turned several double plays, and one girl turned an amazing triple play. The outfield was solid as well; they consistently tracked down fly balls that could have been extra-base hits and turned them into routine singles or outs. Chemistry between the pitcher and the first baseman is essential, and this team had it. Throughout the tournament, the young ladies at these positions made incredible plays consistently to limit the number of opposing base runners.
As a team, Cherryville hit 13 home runs, 136 base hits, 75 RBIs, and scored 100 runs over six games. Looking at the performances at the plate, Elena Beam hit 18-23, scored 16 runs, 16 RBIs, and 7 home runs. Penelope Melton batted 16-19, scored 13 runs, 6 RBIs, and 3 home runs. Braylee Branham hit 9-21, scored 7 runs, 7 RBIs, and hit a home run. Rosie White went 12-17, scored 8 runs, and had 10 RBIs. Addi Isenhour went 12-17, scored 7 runs, 3 RBIs, and hit a home run. Espen Pierce hit 9-16, scored 7 runs, and had 3 RBIs. Ava Cody went 12-16, scoring 8 runs and 5 RBIs. Josie Beane hit 9-16, scored 6 runs, and had 7 RBIs. Livi Huggins went 12-16, scored 9 runs, and had 4 RBIs. Jovi Hovis went 9-15, scored 7 runs, and had 5 RBIs. Shaylee Willis went 9-14, scored 6 runs, and had 4 RBIs. Ella Siders went 9-14, scored 6 runs, 5 RBIs, and hit a home run.
This team played old-school ball. Fundamental softball featuring teamwork. They worked seamlessly together as a cohesive unit, supporting each other on and off the field. They worked together as one and won together as one. Girls' softball in Cherryville looks to have a bright future for some time to come. The Cherryville 8U Darlings All-Stars will travel to Florida this weekend to play in their World Series.
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