Desoto County Sports

Two Northwest Players Earn MACCC Weekly Soccer Honors

SENATOBIA, Miss. – Two members of the No. 1-ranked and defending NJCAA Division II national champion Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s soccer team have been recognized as Players of the Week by the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC).

Sophomore midfielder Emma Jensen, of Gammelby, Germany, was named Offensive Player of the Week after a dominant stretch of matches against nationally ranked or receiving-votes opponents. Jensen tallied 11 points on the week, scoring five goals and adding an assist. Her ability to control the tempo in midfield and finish scoring chances proved vital as the Lady Rangers faced some of the top competition outside the MACCC.

On the defensive side, sophomore goalkeeper Ann Marie Barton, of Olive Branch earned Goalkeeper of the Week honors. Barton posted shutouts against No. 16 Northeast Nebraska and Mineral Area, continuing her impressive start to the season. In five matches – all against ranked or receiving-votes teams – Barton has allowed only three goals, collecting four clean sheets along the way.

The dual recognition highlights Northwest’s balance of offensive firepower and defensive strength as the Lady Rangers look to defend their national title. The team remains a formidable force in the NJCAA polls, relying on Jensen’s creativity in attack and Barton’s stability in goal to maintain its top-ranked status.

Bob Bakken

Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.