Box Score ELLISVILLE - Northwest fell victim to a two-run first inning and Pearl River scattered two more across the third and sixth innings, as the 13th-ranked Rangers fell to the ninth-ranked Wildcats, 4-0, in Wednesday evening's MACCC Tournament matchup.

Northwest was held to just two hits in the contest and fell to 29-12 on the season. Pearl River improved to 31-15 overall with the victory.

After PRCC's Brinson Anne Rogers retired the first three Northwest batters, the Wildcats quickly built a 2-0 lead in the home half of the first inning, thanks to an RBI-double from Dallyn Nance and a solo home run from Hannah Miller. 

Rogers again retired the Rangers in the second inning, but Pearl River was held scoreless as well, thanks to back-to-back strikeouts from Gabby Dickerson.

Meredith Owen helped Northwest gain its first base hit in the top of the third, but the sophomore's single to center field was the only highlight of the inning, as the Rangers remained scoreless. Meanwhile, the Wildcats extended their lead to 3-0 on a two-out double by Julianah Overstreet.

In a surprising move, Saige Koczka was moved from right field to pitcher in the fourth inning, marking her first appearance in the circle since last year's postseason run. The switch paid off for Northwest, as the Southaven native silenced the Pearl River lineup with a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless fourth inning.

Northwest gained a little momentum over the next two innings, drawing a leadoff walk to Maddie Brower in the fifth and three straight walks to load the bases in the sixth. However, the Rangers came away empty-handed in both frames and after gaining an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth, Pearl River retired three of four Northwest batters in the top of the seventh to seal the shutout.

Koczka collected four strikeouts against two walks and an unearned run in her three innings of relief, while Dickerson received the loss (18-7) after allowing the first three Pearl River runs with three strikeouts and two walks.

For Pearl River, it was another strong outing for Rogers, who delivered 15 strikeouts to continue her reign of terror in the MACCC. The Pearl River ace went the distance as well, issuing just four walks in another complete game.

Owen was the only Ranger to hit Rogers, as the sophomore from Covington, Tenn. finished 2-for-3 on the evening. Pearl River came away with five hits, led by two from Cassidy Cartwright.

Northwest will now turn its attention to Thursday afternoon in a 1:30 P.M. contest against Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Bulldogs (22-26) are the eighth seed in the MACCC Tournament and are coming off a 2-0 loss to top-seeded Jones College. For both teams, tomorrow's battle is a must-win situation, as the winner will keep fighting for a bid into the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament, while the losing team will see its season come to an abrupt end.

Coverage of tomorrow's game against MGCCC will be provided by Jones College on JCJC.TV. For tickets and other tournament information, visit the Tournament Central page here.