Rangers Women’s Soccer Sweeps Pool Play at NJCAA Nationals

WICHITA, Kan. — The No. 3 Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s soccer team (19-1-1) secured a decisive 2-0 victory over No. 15 Iowa Lakes Community College (12-5-3) on Tuesday, completing a sweep of Pool B at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

Key Points

• Early Offensive Spark: Caroline Perkins scored in the sixth minute, followed quickly by Caroline Hamm in the eighth, giving the Rangers a commanding lead.
• Defensive Standout: Goalkeeper Ann Marie Barton recorded four saves, earning her third postseason clean sheet and anchoring a defense that allowed just one shot on goal in the second half.
• Semifinal Bound: The win advances Northwest to the NJCAA Division II semifinals for the fourth straight season, where they will face No. 7 Jones College.

Head coach James Beattie praised his team’s depth and resilience. “Teams win championships, not individuals, and we need every single player available on Thursday,” Beattie said.

The Rangers dominated possession, firing 26 shots and forcing nine corner kicks, while Iowa Lakes struggled to generate offense. The match grew physical late, with four yellow cards and one red card issued, but Northwest held firm to secure the shutout.

Barton credited the early goals with calming nerves in a high-stakes environment. “It helps with confidence, and everyone gets more comfortable going into the game,” she said.

Northwest now turns its focus to Jones College, who upset No. 1 Johnson County in Pool A. The Rangers aim to replicate last year’s championship run with another strong semifinal performance.