COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Northwest softball team has caught the attention of the nation and enters the NJCAA Division II Top 20 poll for the first time since 2007 and third time in school history.

The Rangers are off to an 11-3 start, their second-best 14-game start in school history, and are ranked 19th nationally. Northwest is one of five MACJC representatives in the March 16 poll.

Northwest was last ranked on May 2, 2007, its highest-ever at No. 12 thanks to a 34-8 mark. They were also 12th a week prior on April 25, 2007. The Rangers have received votes in several other polls dating back to 2005.

Coached by MACJC Hall of Famer Mike Rowan, the Rangers are hitting .336 as a team with 26 extra-base hits and fielding .968. The pitching staff boasts a 2.05 ERA.

Northwest returns to action on Wednesday, March 16, traveling to No. 10 Itawamba.