SENATOBIA – Challenges have certainly plagued the Northwest softball program over the past few seasons.

While it's typical for any team to face some level of adversity, the Rangers have been hit hard, going from consistent 20-win seasons to just one winning record over the past four years. Eliminating divisions and opening the conference certainly didn't help Northwest either, with the Rangers going from competing with Itawamba for division titles to facing more hurdles in powerhouse programs such as Jones College, East Central and Mississippi Gulf Coast.

More recently, the Rangers finished 8-35 overall in 2019 after being forced to forfeit numerous early season games due to the use of an ineligible player. Seven of those wins, however, came within conference competition.

Now, a new start awaits Northwest for the 2020 season. Following the retirement of all-time winningest coach Mike Rowan last summer, former Mississippi State and Team USA softball standout Chelsea Bramlett was appointed as the Rangers' new head coach, injecting a new level of excitement into the future of the program.

Restoring the Rangers' winning tradition is at the top of Bramlett's list of goals.

"The biggest issue I saw in the fall was seeing the players put everything into playing the first game of a doubleheader, but not as much into the second game," Bramlett said. "One of the big changes we are going to make this year is to go out and win both games, even if we have to use the same lineup. We're going out there to win both of those games. If we don't win the first one, we still go out there to win the second one. Our goal is to finish all seven innings every time we play without letting up."

Bramlett arrived at Northwest following several successful seasons at Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch. While serving as the Lady Patriots' head coach, Bramlett guided LHS to an all-time record of 116-28-3 and a stellar .799 winning percentage, while winning four Region 1-5A titles and advancing to five playoff appearances.

Bramlett has long been a familiar name in softball circles in Mississippi, due mostly to her coaching stint at Lewisburg and her successful college career at Mississippi State. From 2007-10, she earned All-American recognition in all four years and continues to hold numerous records in batting average (.461), runs scored (219), hits (359) and stolen bases (207). 

Additionally, Bramlett spent two seasons playing for Team USA in 2009-10 with some of the most notable names in softball, including Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott. She was also inducted into the MSU Sports Hall of Fame and named an SEC Legend in 2016.

Despite all of her accomplishments and previous experience however, Bramlett admits there was a learning curve in getting started with Northwest.

"It has certainly been different than coaching at the high school level," Bramlett said. "Being here, though, I can take a little of what I have learned at Mississippi State and incorporate it here more so than coaching in high school. I have had to learn a lot with the differences in rules and recruiting, while also seeing how different things are at every level. There are definitely some changes but so far, it has been a lot of fun." 

Now with the fall practices and exhibitions in the rear view, the regular season is rapidly approaching. Northwest is set to make its season debut in Booneville at the Northeast TigerFest next weekend, Feb. 14-15, with some stiff competition awaiting the Rangers.

Leading the way for the Rangers is a balanced mix of returning faces and newcomers. After a strong second half of her freshman season, Lacey Coats returns to lead Northwest as one of the primary pitching options. The Hernando native posted seven wins with a team-best 3.06 ERA and 87 strikeouts, including eight complete games.

Joining Coats in the circle will be fellow veteran Delta Claire Newman. Though the Eupora native spent more time in the infield and as a designated player last season, Newman managed to gain valuable experience with six strikeouts in eight appearances.

"Both of those girls have really taken on and accepted the leadership role well," Bramlett said. "That's a big thing to have with them both being pitchers, seeing them step up and take the reins to make sure everyone is where they need to be and doing what they're supposed to be doing."

Additionally, freshman right-hander Kaylei Peterson is expected to gain quality experience in the circle as well.

In the outfield, a trio of freshmen have emerged as potential candidates for the starting lineup. Senatobia product Mary Britton Faulkner, Lewisburg alumnus Oakley Laughter and Saige Koczka (Southaven HS) have stood out to Bramlett so far, earning plenty of playing time in the fall. Freshman Alley Reed and sophomore Cylie Robertson have made their cases for playing time in the field as well.

"We're quick and strong in the outfield," Bramlett said. "They work really well and communicate with each other. I'm excited to see them bring that speed and strength during the season."

Several sophomores return to hold down the infield, including Avery McIver, Taylor Lott and Madison Crosby. Third base could be somewhat of a question mark at least in the early stages of the season, as Itawamba transfer Emma Grace Schell and Winona product MyCala Helms have both competed for the role.

"Avery has really stepped up in regards to playing shortstop and communicating," Bramlett said. "Madison can play both infield and outfield. She has been really good for us this fall and the way she's hitting the ball is going to be beneficial as well. Taylor has done well too both in play and communication."

As mentioned, Crosby returns after finishing as the team's second leading hitter last season with 10 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 28 RBIs and a .309 batting average. Sophomore Brittni Beard is another veteran that Bramlett expects to rely on at the plate.

Northwest returns two sophomore catchers in Gracey Griggs and Ana Green, but Schell and freshman Amber Clark will certainly make a run at earning those starting roles as well.

Overall, Bramlett says the entire team is pulling its weight in practice and conditioning ahead of next week's openers.

"They're all pushing each other to get better," Bramlett said. "I think everyone at some point will have a chance to fill a role and see if they can take that position. One of the big things with me is that the players are going to earn their role everyday in practice and in games. If they don't earn it in a game, then I have someone behind them who will. I asked them the other day what they saw different between the fall and now, and they all responded about being stronger and being better. That is what I want to hear."

Another valuable addition for Bramlett comes in the dugout in the form of new assistant coach Dustin Young. A former Northwest and Crichton College baseball student-athlete, Young brings more insight to the program as a former middle infielder.

"It's nice having two sets of eyes," Bramlett said, on what Young brings to the program. "I'm used to it being just me. I have had several assistants in the past but this is the first time that I have one with me all the time. It's nice for him to add his input and keep everyone on task. He does great with the infielders because he knows that area well and is also able to back up the things that I try to teach. He definitely has been a great addition."

Although Bramlett likes the strides her players have made so far, it doesn't mean the season won't be without its share of challenges. Northwest will spend the entire month of February on the road in various tournaments and invitationals, facing off against tough national competition in No. 5 Highland (Kan.), San Jacinto College-South, Wabash Valley College and an early season, non-conference meeting with No. 4 Jones College.

Northwest hosts Pearl River on March 6 for its home and conference opener, while spending the entire month of March at home. The month-long homestretch will include battles against No. 7 Itawamba, Jones and No. 15 East Central. In contrast, April will see Northwest host just two home doubleheaders, one being against No. 13 Mississippi Gulf Coast.

"To get anywhere, you have to win," Bramlett said. "Every game we play, that's what we're going for. It doesn't matter if it's a conference opponent, a non-conference game or some program we have never played before. Because we play so many in such a short time, a lot of this will be learning about every player, how they react and where their best place will be in the lineup. These early games will help us get our lineup set so when March comes around, we know what we're going to do and what we're looking for when we play our conference opponents."

Amid a tough schedule, Bramlett still has high expectations for her team that won't change, no matter the opponent.

"Our biggest goal this year is to be over .500," Bramlett said. "Perfection is always the goal but in being realistic and realizing that we have a tough conference to go through, this is still an achievable goal. At the same time, it's going to push our girls to get where they need to be. They have that hunger and desire to get stronger, hit the ball further, move quicker and they're seeing the results of that. We want to get to the playoffs and play to the best of our ability."

Northwest will play five games in next weekend's Northeast TigerFest with live stats for all games available at nwccrangers.com.