MERIDIAN - Freshman barrel racer Delaney Naifeh highlighted a strong weekend for the Northwest rodeo teams, as the Rangers and Lady Rangers made their spring debut in the East Mississippi Rodeo this past weekend.

Naifeh, a native of Covington, Tenn., placed second in the short-go and fourth in the long round, earning the average title with a result of 30.505. It marked the first collegiate win recorded by Naifeh and her performance helped the Northwest women's team earn a fourth-place finish for the weekend, as the Lady Rangers collected 160 team points.

Meanwhile, the Northwest men's team had plenty of highlights as well, finishing fifth overall. Freshman steer wrestler Kent Jordan received first place in the short-go, before finishing third in the average standings. Will Collier, his steer wrestling teammate, won third in the long round and came away with a sixth-place finish in the average.

In bronc riding, Cody Johnson and Christian Cagle finished fourth and fifth, respectively. In team roping, Laine Moore won the long round and earned a fifth-place finish in the average standings.

As a team, the Ranger men totaled 285 points, finishing ahead of both East Mississippi and Pearl River. 

Northwest will have a quick turnaround later this week, visiting Poplarville for the PRCC Rodeo. The event will run from Thursday, March 21-23 and broadcast coverage can be found at prccmedia.com.