CHARLOTTE - For the first time in program history, the Northwest women's soccer team sits atop the NJCAA Division II national rankings.

Northwest (14-0, 7-0 MACCC) moved from its No. 3 preseason ranking for the first time all season, after earning a 1-0 victory against previously-ranked No. 1 Holmes on Friday. The win marked the first victory against Holmes for the Lady Rangers since October 2014.

With the win, the Lady Rangers also notched their 13th shutout of the season, the most ever recorded in a single season. The victory was also the 50th career coaching win for James Beattie, as he joined Peter Jarjoura as the only other women's soccer coach to surpass 50 victories.

Reigning NJCAA Division II national champion Phoenix College (11-1-1) remains in second, while Holmes moved down to third. Jones College remained at No. 4, while Northeast (Neb.) stayed at No. 5 overall. 

Other MACCC teams ranked include Pearl River at No. 13, Itawamba at No. 16 and Copiah-Lincoln at 17th. 

Next up for Northwest is a home match with East Central, scheduled for Friday at 1 P.M. Coverage will be provided on Ranger TV.