Spartanburg, S.C. — Despite a strong pitching performance from Meredith Dearman, the Northwest Mississippi Community College softball team lost 1-0 to Rock Valley College in the second round of the NJCAA World Series on Tuesday at Tyger River Park.
Head coach Chelsea Bramlett said, “It’s hard to have a one-hitter and still lose. We just aren’t stringing hits together, and hopefully tomorrow will be our breakout game.” The Rangers, ranked 13th nationally, fell to the fourth seed in a game marked by excellent pitching on both sides.
Northwest had several scoring opportunities but couldn’t capitalize. In the first inning, Handley McAtee reached base with a one-out single, but the team was retired on two fly outs. Ava Claire Rhoden also reached with two outs in the third, only to be stranded after a groundout. Another threat in the fourth was halted when a double from Carleigh Calarco was followed by a pop out to the pitcher.
Dearman was dominant, retiring her first 10 batters and striking out the side in the third inning. Rock Valley broke through in the bottom of the fourth after a one-out triple by McKenzie Culvey led to a sacrifice fly that scored the game’s only run.
Northwest responded in the fifth with Lindsey Gillis reaching on a single, but she was left stranded. The best chance for the Rangers came in the sixth when McAtee led off with a single and was sacrificed to second. After a walk to Sela Mancini, a line drive to second base ended the rally and kept the score at 1-0.
Dearman finished her outing with a one-hitter and 25 strikeouts across both games, including 29 consecutive batters retired from the previous game. Despite the loss, Bramlett praised her team’s effort and resilience, noting that six or seven freshmen are gaining valuable experience on a big stage.
The loss sends the Rangers into the elimination bracket, where they will face Richard Bland College of Virginia. Northwest previously lost to Parkland College 3-0 in an opening game earlier Tuesday. The next game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT), with streaming available at nwccrangers.com and on the team’s social media channels.
