Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Belleview, FL (WNN) - The Cherryville Darlings 8U Allstars captured a runner-up finish in the Dixie Youth Softball World Series held at Belleview Sports Complex in Belleview, FL, on August 1st – August 4th. Cherryville had an incredible All-Stars season, going 3-0 to win the district, 6-0 to win the NC state championship, and 4-2 in the World Series. Coaches Angie Anthony, Wes Anthony, Tripp Roarke, and Michael Seiler have much to be proud of as their team came together quickly for a magical season.
The Cherryville Darlings also brought home the sportsmanship award in the World Series. This award is presented to the team that demonstrates the best attitude and the most love for the game. This group of young ladies easily met those requirements. This is a reflection on the players, coaches, parents, and community.
Two words most accurately sum up this tournament: rain delay. Overcast and rain were the standard weather forecasts for much of the tournament, but that did not deter the 12 teams from across the nation that had earned the opportunity to play in the World Series. These young ladies took it in stride and quickly adapted to changes in start times and in-game delays.
The tournament began on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as Cherryville took on Chipley, FL. Cherryville won their opener 10-3 by out-hitting Chipley 23 hits to 11 hits. Cherryville went down early, 3-0, before tying the game in the fourth. They put things away, scoring 7 runs in the fifth inning. In the inning, Alex A. hit a 2-run triple, Emma E. a 1-run single, Hayden G. a 1-run single, Bella P. a 2-run double, and Caroline R. a 1-run single. Leading the way on the day at the plate was Caroline R., who hit 3-3 with 3 RBIs. Lilly T., Emma E., Mia S., Emersyn T., and Meredith R. each collected multiple hits.
Sunday, August 2, was a two-game day for the Cherryville Darlings. In the first game of the day, they suffered their first loss, to Alexandria, LA, by a score of 5-1. Cherryville still managed to get 10 hits to Alexandria’s 15 hits. They just failed to get enough hits with runners in scoring position. The loss moved them to the elimination bracket for their third tournament game, second of the day. This time, they were facing Brookneal, VA. Cherryville had a 10-3 lead heading into the fourth inning. Brookneal began a rally, plating 3 runs in the fourth. Cherryville could not answer in the bottom of the inning, and Brookneal was gaining momentum in the fifth and had scored 3 more runs before a stout Cherryville defense said, “not so fast” and shut the rally down. This secured a 10-9 victory, advancing them to the fourth round. Both teams had 18 hits each. Addalynn D., Hayden G., Emersyn T., and Meredith R. all drove in 2 runs each. Mia S., Caroline R., and Bella P. each had multiple hits.
Monday was another 2-game day, and it began with depressing weather. Heavy rains forced the 9 am start time to be moved to 1 pm. The grounds crew did an excellent job of getting the field ready. The home plate area was a little muddy, but the rest of the field was in really good shape. As the game was about midway through the top of the first inning, the on-and-off rain that would fall all day forced another brief rain delay. After the game resumed, Cherryville took care of business, defeating Southwest Chatham, NC, 12-2. Cherryville scored 5 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, and 5 more in the 4th. They blasted 20 hits to 14 for Chatham. Alex A. went 3-3 with 4 RBIs, and Emersyn T. was also 3-3 with 3 runs scored and 1 RBI. Hayden G., Lilly T., Meredith R., and Addalynn D. each had 2 hits. Game 5 was against Caldwell Parish, LA, and Cherryville was again victorious, this time by a score of 10-3. The team had 17 hits led by Raelie G., Hayden G., Addalynn D., Caroline R., and Addison P., all with 2 hits. The three remaining teams each had 1 loss, so a tie-breaker system was used. Alexandria, LA, had already had a bye in the previous round, so a coin flip was used between Montgomery Gray, AL, and Cherryville, NC, to determine which team would draw a bye into the championship game and which would play Alexandria in a play-in game to set the stage for the final game. Montgomery won the toss, placing Cherryville against Alexandria in the play-in game.
The weather on Tuesday was much better, still overcast but without rain. Game 6 was a 10 am first pitch. Both teams came out energetic and ready to play. Alexandria, LA. had a strong first inning, jumping out to a 6-0 lead. They would add another on a solo home run in the 3rd inning. Cherryville got on the scoreboard with 1 run in the final inning. Cherryville fought hard and played well, but the big first inning was just too much to overcome. Final score was Alexandria 7 and Cherryville 1. The loss left Cherryville tied for second in the tournament of the nation’s 12 best teams, so they should be proud of their efforts. Montgomery, Gray, AL. went on to defeat Alexandria, LA. In the final game played midday, 6-5 in extra innings for the Championship. Alexandria tied with Cherryville for second place, as both finished with two tournament losses.
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