CHARLOTTE - Despite suffering its first loss of the season on Friday, the Northwest women's soccer team preserved its No. 10 ranking in the latest round of NJCAA Division II rankings.

Northwest (4-1) fell by a close 1-0 margin against fifth-ranked Jones College, which also stayed put at No. 5 in the rankings. The match was the MACCC opener for both teams.

With its 7-0 record, Phoenix College jumped up to No. 1 as previous top-ranked team Pima (Ariz.) slid to the No. 2 spot. Heartland (Ill.), Holmes and the aforementioned Jones College Lady Bobcats rounded out the national top five.

Northwest continues its conference-opening gauntlet this week, when the Lady Rangers travel to East Central and host Pearl River. Tuesday's opponent, East Central, slid down from 13th to No. 17 with a 3-2 record, while Pearl River remained at No. 16 with its 6-0 record.

Kickoff between Northwest and East Central is scheduled for 5 P.M. in Decatur. Fans can watch live through East Central or follow along with Northwest live stats.