Northwest Mississippi Community College defeated Holmes Community College 2-0 on Friday to win its fourth consecutive Region 23 women’s soccer championship and earn a berth in the NJCAA Division II national tournament.
The Rangers, ranked No. 7, improved to 16-3 overall and 8-3 in the region. Top-ranked Holmes fell to 16-2 and 10-1. The victory also marked Northwest’s fourth straight Region 23 and Gulf South District title in its fifth consecutive trip to the championship game.
Olivia Miller opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after intercepting a pass from the Holmes back line and going one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The goal was Miller’s third in the past two games, all unassisted.
Holmes pressed for an equalizer, but Northwest goalkeeper Darby Woolever kept the Rangers in front. She made eight saves in the first half and stopped a free kick from about 20 yards early in the second. Woolever finished with 12 saves, giving her 19 across Northwest’s past two matches.
Northwest doubled its lead in the 73rd minute. Maggie Pace started a breakaway and crossed the ball to Yazzlin Alex, who scored with a shot over the goalkeeper. The Rangers then protected the lead to secure the championship.
Coach James Beattie said Holmes’ quality made the win especially demanding. He said Northwest had to withstand pressure but took advantage of key opportunities. The Rangers’ victory also avenged a loss to Holmes in Senatobia, according to sophomore Darby Woolever and freshman Alex.
Northwest is scheduled to compete in the national tournament in Huntsville, Alabama, from Nov. 15-21. The Rangers will have a chance to pursue a third consecutive NJCAA Division II national championship, Beattie said.
