RIDGELAND - Locked in a 1-1 tie for nearly 37 minutes, Holmes took the lead on a Rhybert McNab goal in the 74th minute to edge Northwest by a 2-1 final on Monday afternoon.

McNab also got the Bulldogs' first goal of the match in the first five minutes, before Jay McCaleb connected with Aaron Cook, who headed in his first career goal in the 37th minute to bring the match to a 1-1 halftime draw. 

Although Holmes dominated most of the stats on paper, the Rangers played close throughout the match, especially late in the first half and most of the remaining 45 minutes.

Northwest was outshot 28-8 in total shots and 13-3 on-goal, but the Rangers closed the shot margin to 9-6 in the second half. The Rangers were also whistled for 16 fouls, compared to eight for the Bulldogs, and both teams received a pair of cautions.

Dustin Brown collected 11 saves on the day, his fourth consecutive match with 10 or more stops. 

With the loss, Northwest dropped to 0-6-1 overall and 0-3-1 in MACCC North Division competition. The Rangers will host East Central on Friday, April 29 to begin the second and final leg of division play.