SENATOBIA - November 2, 2021 will be a date forever etched into the history of the Northwest Lady Rangers' soccer program.

With a 2-0 victory against Meridian in the MACCC Quarterfinals, the Lady Rangers improved to 15-2-1 on the season, marking the most victories in a single year. The previous milestone came in 2006, when Northwest finished 14-5 on the year and won the MACJC North Division, before ending the season as the Region 23 runner-up.

Additionally, freshman midfielder Jennifer Enriquez once again took her place in the program's record books, earning her 20th career assist on a goal in the 68th minute, to become the Lady Rangers' single-season and career assists leader.

Head coach James Beattie earned his 21st victory leading the Lady Rangers, becoming the fastest Northwest coach to reach 20 or more wins. The match also marked the program's return to the on-campus facility, after spending nearly two seasons off-site at the Senatobia Sports Park due to ongoing construction.

Northwest opened the match with pressure on the the Lady Eagles' defense, firing off five shots in the first 11 minutes of regulation. However, Meridian quickly buckled down, leaving the Lady Rangers scoreless for the first half despite taking 10 shots.

Although the Lady Eagles went into the break with most of the momentum, Northwest adjusted sharply for the second half, as the offense went into full gear. In the 66th minute, the Lady Rangers finally connected on a shot, as Melinda Hernandez found M.J. Loeffel for the first score of the match and her team-leading 19th goal of the season.

Northwest hit the jackpot less than three minutes later, as Enriquez and Hernandez doubled up for a pair of assists on an Ally Bailey goal, pushing the Lady Rangers to a 2-0 advantage.

Meridian tried to gain back some momentum in the final 20 minutes, but the Lady Rangers refused to yield, preserving the shutout and keeping the postseason alive.

Northwest outshot the Lady Eagles, 20-6, for the match and 11-4 on goal. Maggie Olive totaled four saves for the Lady Rangers in a full 90 minutes, while garnering her fourth shutout of the season. For Meridian, Caitlyn Rhea played the entire match and posted nine saves.

Northwest was whistled for 18 fouls, including three cautions against Loeffel, Molly Rose and Miriam Groscost. Meridian was charged with eight infractions, including an early yellow card on Addisyn Pope in the 17th minute.

Awaiting the Lady Rangers in Saturday's MACCC Semifinals is Jones College, ranked second in the NJCAA Division II rankings. The Lady Bobcats claimed the MACCC South Division title with an overall record of 12-1, finishing 10-0 against division opponents. East Central provided Jones its only loss of the season on August 23, when the previously-ranked No. 12 Lady Warriors edged out a 2-1 decision.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 P.M. in Ridgeland, with live coverage on holmesccmedia.com.