Northwest women beat Meridian, reach Gulf South district semifinals

Northwest Mississippi Community College defeated Meridian Community College 4-1 to advance to the Gulf South District Tournament semifinals. The Rangers improved to 14-3 overall and 8-3 in conference play, while Meridian fell to 8-9-2 and 5-6.

Olivia Miller opened the scoring for Northwest in the third minute with a shot from outside the penalty area. Meridian equalized in the 53rd minute when Emilia Reinhardt scored from about 30 yards after a mistake by Northwest goalkeeper Lydia Knabb.

Northwest regained the lead in the 62nd minute. Defender Lena Scholze headed in a corner kick from Miller, scoring the eventual winner. Hayden Moneymaker made it 3-1 in the 67th minute off a cross from McKenzi Rankins, and Kami Vega completed the scoring with a shot from outside the box in the 74th.

The Rangers outshot Meridian 31-6 and took 10 corner kicks, while the Eagles did not earn a corner. Northwest goalkeeper Knabb made one save. Meridian led 15-4 in first-half shots, but the Rangers pulled away after Scholze’s goal.

“Ultimately, it’s survive and advance,” Northwest coach James Beattie said. Scholze said the team hopes to continue its postseason run and pursue a third national championship.

The source listed Northwest’s next game for Wednesday, Nov. 4, against No. 3 Pearl River Community College in Poplarville. The Gulf South District Tournament semifinal was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the PRCC Soccer Complex.

Source: Original Article