Nunnally inherits a Northwest program that went 5-8 overall last season and is still looking for its first winning season since 2006. Two years removed from playing for the north division championship in the regular season finale, Nunnally is hoping to put his team back in position to compete for a division title and bring in some new mindsets to the program, including preaching the importance of physical fitness.

    
"They have to be able to play and give their all for 90 minutes," Nunnally said. "It's important that each one is able to play for all 90 minutes, not just halfway. You have to be fit in order to succeed and win in this league."

    
Scoring goals was an issue for the team last season, but seven of the returning 11 sophomores scored at least one goal, including Emily Williams and Alex Young, who scored three goals apiece. Also returning is the team's assist leader, Yanira Cura, along with forwards Emily Castoria and Bree Francis, both of which started every game for Northwest.

Ashlee Rogers played all 1170 minutes between the posts last year and will again man the net. Rogers had 61 saves and allowed 24 goals with a .718 saves percentage. She's joined defensively by Karly Massengill, Alden Temple and Rachel Elkins who helped post four shutouts on the year. 

The Lady Rangers welcome 12 incoming freshmen including four-time all-conference selection Alex Jones, who scored 20 goals for DeSoto Central High School in her senior season, and Holly Newman of Olive Branch who had 15 assists her senior year. Both are expected to contribute to the team early. 

    
Looking at the division slate, the north is always difficult and division champion Hinds and runner-up Itawamba are expected to compete near the top once again.

    
"Hinds and Itawamba are always a tough battle," Nunnally said. "I'm looking for us to compete in every single game, whether the goals come in our favor or not. The bottom line is just to compete."

    
The games against Hinds will certainly be circled on the calendar, as the Lady Eagles are coached by Nunnally's sister, Marcille McLendon.

    
"I'm especially looking forward to coaching against her," Nunnally said. "It's a personal experience I want to enjoy, but at the same time the team talks about Hinds and wants to beat them. It's always a big game for them and it's going to be a battle."

   
With less than two weeks left before the start of exhibition games, Nunnally knows there's not much time left to prepare.

   
"The main challenge is finding the right pieces to fit together as a team," Nunnally said. "It's not always going to be the best player for every position, but who plays well together and how the team gels together."

Northwest opens the regular season on Aug. 23 at Southwest Mississippi and their home-opener is set for Aug. 31 against St. Charles.