Northwest Softball Looks to Build on Successful 2025 Season
Senatobia, Miss. — Northwest Community College softball is set to build on its 2025 season, which saw the team surpass 40 wins for the first time in recent history. Head coach Chelsea Bramlett said the team’s strong start last year, including wins over two ranked opponents, previewed a successful season that ended with a 44-12 record.
The Rangers finished their season 2-2 at the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series, earning wins against Phoenix College of Arizona and Bryant and Stratton College of Wisconsin. Bramlett expressed optimism about returning to the tournament, citing improved depth in the pitching staff and the team’s drive for a national championship.
This season, Northwest will feature a primarily young roster with 10 freshmen and only five sophomores. The team will rely on the experience of returning players like pitcher Catelyn Brown, who posted a 3.08 ERA and 38 strikeouts last year, and infielder Carleigh Calarco, who has a fielding percentage of .917. Both players are expected to play key roles in the upcoming season, according to Bramlett.
Among the returning leaders are utility players Lindsey Gillis, Emma Jennings, and Aubrey Massing. Gillis, a catcher, has improved behind the plate, while Jennings and Massing are vocal team leaders. The freshmen class includes pitchers, slappers, and power hitters, all eager to contribute immediately, Bramlett said.
The team will open the season at the Sand Mountain Classic in Alabama on Jan. 30-31, facing non-conference opponents such as Wallace State-Hanceville and Chattanooga State. They will also participate in the Coyote Classic in Gulf Shores on Feb. 13-14, facing teams including Motlow State and Gulf Coast State.
Northwest will face stiff competition within the MACCC, with four league teams ranked in the NJCAA Preseason Top 25. The Rangers open conference play at home against fourth-ranked Jones College and will host No. 12 Itawamba and defending national champion No. 2 Copiah-Lincoln. They will also travel to face East Central, East Mississippi, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Northeast, Hinds, Mississippi Delta, and No. 7 Pearl River.
The team will benefit from new facilities, including a recently opened indoor baseball/softball complex with batting cages and turf areas. Bramlett said the upgrades will enhance the team’s preparation as they approach the season.
The Rangers’ home opener is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, against Jackson State (Tenn.) at Ranger Softball Field, with first pitch at noon. Coverage will be available on Ranger TV. Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s social media accounts or visit nwccrangers.com for updates.
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