RIDGELAND - In a battle of Top 10 teams, it was only fitting that Friday afternoon's showdown between Northwest and Holmes ended with no clear winner.
Both teams were scoreless until well into the second half and neither team could break the stalemate in extra time, as the fourth-ranked Lady Bulldogs and the No. 9 Lady Rangers ended in a 1-1 draw.
Although both Northwest and Holmes missed clear opportunities to score, it was the Lady Rangers that got the better looks at the goal. Northwest drew the Holmes' keeper out of the net once in the first half and scored, only for the goal to be waved off for a handball infraction.
Later, the Lady Rangers caught the keeper off guard in the second half, but two quick shots failed to connect, including one attempt that ricocheted off the post. In overtime, Northwest had another great look unopposed, but the ball sailed just barely wide of the net.
As far as actual goals, Northwest broke the scoreless drought in the 57th minute, as
Dani Rodriguez' corner kick found
Avery Hooker, who tapped it in for a 1-0 Lady Rangers' lead. However, Holmes countered on a breakaway in the 64th minute, as Laila Anderson tracked down Darian Blackburn for the equalizer.
From there, the battle continued for both teams. Despite finishing in a tie, Northwest had the momentum for the first overtime period, while Holmes picked up on the tempo in the final 10 minutes.
Northwest finished 26-19 in total shots, including a 15-12 margin in shots on-goal. Both teams finished with 10-plus saves, including 11 for Northwest keeper
Addy McCann.
Overall, 36 fouls were called in the match with 21 of those going against the Lady Rangers.
Northwest moved to 6-1-2 overall and 2-1-2 in the MACCC, while Holmes moved to 9-0-1 on the season and 4-0-1 in conference play. The Lady Rangers will regroup for a road match on Tuesday, October 4 at Mississippi Gulf Coast.
