Bladen County Starz Claim Top Gun-USA Gold Bracket Championship

KINSTON, NC - The Bladen County Starz 14U softball team put together a dominant weekend run, capturing the Top Gun-USA Gold Bracket Championship with four straight victories.

With every player stepping up at key moments, the Starz showcased both talent and teamwork across all phases of the game.

Game 1: Bladen County Starz 7, Coastal Fury-Graham 0

The Starz kicked things off with a commanding shutout win, powered by the electric right arm of Breelyn Peed.

In three innings of work, Peed allowed just one hit, didn’t give up a single earned run, and struck out nine batters—a true tone-setter for the tournament.

She also helped her cause at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

At the top of the order, Payton Eyl sparked the offense with a pair of hits and scored twice, setting the table early.

Brissa Mattheson crossed the plate as well, continuing her steady presence throughout the lineup.

Lilly McGuire kept the pressure on, reaching base twice and scoring two runs.

Kimberlin Barnes came through with a timely RBI single, while Emilia Macias added both a hit and two RBIs, along with a walk to round out a strong game.

Stevie Cressionnie drew a walk, helping keep the offense rolling.

Game 2: Bladen County Starz 11, Lady Havoc 3

The Starz offense caught fire in Game 2, racking up 11 runs with production up and down the lineup.

Brissa Mattheson once again set the tone, scoring twice and drawing a walk.

Breelyn Peed stayed hot with a run scored and a hit, helping build an early lead.

Lilly McGuire continued her steady tournament with two more runs and a pair of hits. Kimberlin Barnes matched that output with two hits of her own, driving in two runs and scoring twice in a clutch performance.

Stevie Cressionnie showcased her all-around skillset, scoring twice, recording a hit, and knocking in a run. Haley Gantt broke out with two hits and a game-high three RBIs, giving the Starz a huge boost in the middle of the order.

Serenity Schmieder played her part by getting on base with a walk and keeping the pressure on the defense, while Abigail DiCicco added two important hits to keep the offense moving.

On the mound, Emilia Macias started the game and navigated two innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out a batter.

Stevie Cressionnie came in to close, throwing a clean inning with a strikeout and limiting the damage to seal the victory.

Game 3: Bladen County Starz 12, Lady Venom Odom 0

Game 3 was a team-wide showcase as the Starz blanked Lady Venom in dominant fashion. Payton Eyl led the way, reaching base all three times she stepped to the plate, scoring three runs, walking twice, and driving in two.

Emilia Macias continued her strong two-way play, scoring three runs after drawing two walks. Brissa Mattheson added a hit and continued her solid play in the field and at the plate.

Breelyn Peed stayed red-hot with another two RBIs, a hit, and two runs scored. Lilly McGuire tallied another RBI and reached base twice, while Kimberlin Barnes added a run and a hit.

Stevie Cressionnie collected a hit and an RBI as she kept her bat alive going into the final game.

Haley Gantt chipped in with a run scored and steady defense, while Serenity Schmieder had a productive day with two runs scored and a walk. Abigail DiCicco also reached base, helping fuel the big offensive inning.

Cressionnie dominated on the mound once again, striking out five in just two innings without issuing a walk or allowing a run.

Macias came in to shut the door in the third inning with a clean frame, preserving the shutout and giving the team momentum heading into the championship.

Championship: Bladen County Starz 3, Xplosion 2

In a thrilling championship battle, the Starz leaned on timely hitting and dominant pitching to take down Xplosion.

The game’s biggest blow came in the third inning when Lilly McGuire launched a line-drive triple to center field, clearing the bases and bringing home both Payton Eyl and Abigail DiCicco. McGuire would later score the decisive third run on a single from Kimberlin Barnes.

Eyl notched a hit and scored a key run, while DiCicco reached base with a walk and crossed the plate in the crucial third inning.

Breelyn Peed added a hit and then turned in the pitching performance of the weekend—striking out 12 batters across five innings, allowing just four hits and no earned runs to lock down the win.

Barnes came through again in the clutch, going 2-for-2 with the go-ahead RBI, putting an exclamation point on her strong tournament.

Stevie Cressionnie added two hits in the title game, capping a weekend of consistent contributions on both sides of the ball.

Bladen County Starz Claim Top Gun-USA Gold Bracket Championship