SENATOBIA — The No. 20 Northwest Mississippi Community College softball team secured a critical doubleheader sweep of Southwest Mississippi Community College on Friday at the Ranger Softball Fields. The Rangers won the first game 6-4 after trailing early and finished the day with an 11-3 run-rule victory in the second game, moving into sole possession of second place in the Mississippi Athetic Conference standings.
Head coach Chelsea Bramlett praised her team’s performance. “We are just taking it one series at a time, but we are definitely making the adjustments we need to, and we are hitting our stride at the right time,” she said. Sophomore catcher Lindsey Gillis highlighted the team’s effort, especially on sophomore day, describing it as a memorable moment.
In the opener, Northwest overcame an early deficit. Southwest took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, but the Rangers responded with three runs in the bottom of the fourth, including a home run by Tristan Allen. Northwest then scored two more in the fifth to take the lead, supported by clutch hits from players including Carleigh Calarco and Ava Claire Rhoden.
Meredith Dearman, who pitched the final two innings, earned her 14th win of the season and recorded her 100th strikeout. “Meredith is one of the best pitchers I’ve ever caught,” Gillis said.
The second game saw Northwest jump out to an early 2-0 lead, which Southwest tied in the third inning. However, the Rangers responded with a six-run fourth inning, highlighted by a bases-clearing double from Gillis. They added five more runs in the sixth, sealing the 11-3 victory in six innings. Dearman again pitched effectively, improving her record to 14-4.
Northwest will face No. 21 Northeast Mississippi Community College on Tuesday in Booneville before traveling to Raymond to face No. 17 Hinds Community College on Saturday. Bramlett expressed confidence in her team’s momentum. “We are hitting our stride at the right time with some tough opponents ahead,” she said. Fans can follow the Rangers’ schedule via Northwest’s social media accounts.
