CHARLOTTE – Despite a 4-0 week and a program-best 14-1 start to the season, the continous climb for Northwest baseball came to a halt this week as the Rangers dropped from seventh to No. 8 in the latest batch of NJCAA Division II rankings.

Northwest swept Columbia State on the road last Wednesday before defeating Mississippi Delta and Coahoma in a pair of non-conference games on Friday afternoon. 

Northwest joins several MACJC programs in this week's rankings, including Hinds at No. 2 and Pearl River at No. 3 overall. Northeast rose from 12th to No. 9 in the rankings while Itawamba also slid a spot from ninth to No. 10.

Topping the rankings once again is Region 23 powerhouse LSU Eunice, who received unanimous votes for the top spot this week.

Northwest is scheduled to open MACJC competition this Saturday, March 14 at Jones College.

NJCAA Division II Rankings (3/9/2020)
1. LSU Eunice
2. Hinds
3. Pearl River
4. Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa
5. Southeastern (Iowa)
6. Brunswick (N.C.)
7. Mesa (Az.)
8. Northwest
9. Northeast
10. Itawamba
11. Sinclair (Ohio)
12. Lansing (Mich.)
13. Chesapeake (Md.)
14. Delaware Tech
15. Lincoln Land (Ill.)
16. Frederick (Md.)
17. Catawba Valley (N.C.)
18. Iowa Central
19. Scottsdale (Az.)
20. Westchester (N.Y.)