SENATOBIA - For the first time since last year's NJCAA Semifinals, Northwest was held scoreless in a match, falling to No. 4 Jones College by a 3-0 margin in Friday's home finale.

For Northwest, it marked the end of the Lady Rangers' reign as the top-ranked team in the NJCAA Division II polls. The team's overall record fell to 16-1, while Jones College remained unbeaten at 13-0 on the season.

Though both teams remained scoreless for most of the first half, disaster struck for Northwest in the 29th minute, as a foul in the box set up a penalty kick from Celine Ottah. The goal was the first one given up in conference play for Anna Kathryn Harrell and just the second all season, as the Lady Bobcats took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Despite several good looks from Northwest, the Lady Rangers were unable to find the equalizer throughout the second half. Meanwhile, things went from bad to worse on the scoreboard in the 72nd minute, as Abby Sheriff scored on an assist from Gemma Whitchurch, pushing the Lady Bobcats' lead to 2-0.

With time waning in regulation, Jones College clinched the victory with a goal by Whitchurch in the 88th minute.

Jones College finished with 19 total shots, including 12 on-goal, while Northwest shot 14 times and took nine shots on-goal. 

Northwest was also whistled for 10 fouls, including a caution that was issued to Yaritza Trejo in the 56th minute. Jones College was hit with seven fouls in comparison.

Northwest will turn its attention to Tuesday's road finale at No. 13 Pearl River, scheduled for 5 P.M. in Poplarville. The Lady Wildcats (11-4, 7-3 MACCC) have won three in a row, including Friday's 2-0 decision against previously-ranked No. 17 Copiah-Lincoln.

Fans can still purchase tickets for Tuesday's match at prccathletics.com/tickets. Broadcast coverage can be found at prccmedia.com/gold. Read Full Article