The #20 Northwest Mississippi Community College softball team opened its season with a doubleheader sweep of Jackson State Community College from Tennessee on Monday. The Rangers won 7-1 in the first game and 9-1 in the second, according to team sources.
Head coach Chelsea Bramlett said the team was glad to get back on the field after winter weather caused postponements. “Feels good to get the rust off and the jitters out,” she said. “We’re getting off to a good start.”
In the opener, Northwest led from the start, scoring two runs in the first and second innings. The team broke the game open in the third with a five-run inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Lindsey Gillis and a double by Allyson Christmas that ended the inning. Catelyn Brown earned the win, pitching five shutout innings with six strikeouts.
Jackson State’s only run came in the sixth on an RBI walk against relief pitcher Kate Johnson. Johnson finished with two scoreless innings. Bramlett praised Brown’s improvement, noting her increased command and movement on the mound.
The Rangers carried their offensive momentum into the second game, jumping to a 6-0 lead by the end of the second inning. Carleigh Calarco hit a home run, and Emma Jennings hit an inside-the-park grand slam to clear the bases. Northwest added three more runs in the fourth, with RBI singles from Rhoden, Jennings, and McAtee, ending the game via run rule in the fifth inning. Meredith Dearman earned her first collegiate victory with 4.2 innings, striking out eight and allowing six hits.
The team will face Motlow State and Pensacola State on the road Friday and Saturday at a tournament in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They then will play Gulf Coast State and Reid State in the final round. Fans can follow updates at nwccrangers.com or on social media.
