HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - For the first time in its history, the Northwest women's soccer program will play for a national championship.

Facing extremely breezy conditions in Thursday's NJCAA semifinal matchup, the Lady Rangers netted a goal late in the first half and added two more from Brandy Hernandez in the second half, earning a 3-0 victory against No. 5 Holmes. The win pushed Northwest to a 21-0 overall record, matching last season's record win total.

Although both teams spent a majority of the opening half fighting against the wind, Northwest finally broke things open in the 38th minute of the match. Penny Warner's initial shot attempt was deflected by the Holmes goalkeeper, but freshman Allie Sifford was there on the rebound to put it in the back of the net. 

With a thin 1-0 advantage, the Lady Rangers were forced to defend a handful of chances from the Lady Bulldogs. Despite a couple close calls, Anna Kathryn Harrell and the Northwest defense successfully kept Holmes off the board.

In the 77th minute, the Lady Rangers gained a little breathing room, as Brandy Hernandez tapped in a goal off an assist from Emma Jensen. Hernandez, a sophomore from Trinity, Ala., put in the final dagger in the 87th minute, as her second goal of the match made it a 3-0 advantage.

Freshman Caroline Hamm provided the assist to Hernandez, as Northwest burned off the final minutes and officially punched its ticket to the NJCAA Division II Women's Soccer National Championship.

As mentioned, the windy conditions played a factor in the offensive play of both teams. Holmes out-shot Northwest, 22-15, but both teams finished with just eight shots on-goal.

Harrell tallied eight saves for the Lady Rangers, while the goalkeeper duo of Addi Roberts and Katie Smith combined for five Holmes saves.

Both teams were whistled for a combined 22 fouls, with 15 going against the Lady Bulldogs. Kate DeAngelo and Daysha Taylor were issued cautions for Holmes in the 30th and 71st minutes, while Yaritza Trejo was hit with a yellow card in the 55th minute.

Northwest will now await the winner of the other semifinal matchup, featuring No. 2 Johnson County (19-0-3) and No. 3 Heartland (20-1-1). The Lady Rangers faced Heartland earlier this season, handing the Lady Hawks their only loss of the season (3-2) on August 28. Though NWCC didn't face Johnson County this season, the Lady Cavaliers eliminated the Lady Rangers in pool play at last season's national tournament, eventually earning a national runner-up finish to Jones College.

Saturday's national title bout will take place at Joe Davis Stadium at 12 P.M. Central. Fans can watch the match live on the NJCAA Network. Read Full Article