LAKE CHARLES, LA. - Unable to recover from a slow start, the #23 Northwest Mississippi Community College women's basketball team (23-9) suffered a 63-50 defeat to #10 Dodge City Community College (26-5) in the first round of the 2026 NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Tournament. 

Dodge City is known for their three-point shooting, having the highest three-point percentage in the country, and DCCC lived up to their reputation making three three-pointers in the first quarter. The Conquistadors were also extremely efficient in the first quarter, shooting almost 47.4% from the field. The Northwest offense got off to a relatively slow start with sophomore Alorian Story scoring six of the Rangers' 13 first quarter points and Northwest making only 5 of their 16 first quarter shots for a rate of 31.3%.  

Northwest continued to struggle offensively in the second quarter, scoring only nine points in the frame. However, Dodge City continued to maintain their momentum offensively scoring 18 points in the quarter. Typically a team that is strong on the glass, the Rangers got out-rebound by 20 in the first two quarters, a trend that continued throughout the game. This allowed the Conquistadors to shoot 12 more shots than NWCC in the first half.  

"They looked a little, I wouldn't say nervous to start the game, but just kind of tentative at times," Head Coach LaTaryl Williams said.  

Northwest started the second half with all of the momentum, opening the third quarter on a 12-4 run. Standing their ground defensively, NWCC forced five turnovers in the third quarter and only allowed DCCC to score 10 points in the frame. Northwest outscored Dodge City by five points in the third quarter to cut the Conquistador lead down to 13. The biggest moment of the quarter came from a quintessential Mitchell three-point shot with 10 seconds left. 

With only three points scored across both teams in the first three minutes of the frame, the fourth quarter started off slow on the offensive end of things. Neither team seemed to have a hold of the momentum early in the quarter with turnovers from both teams. This trend would continue throughout the last quarter as the momentum shifted continuously.  

The Rangers outscored the Conquistadors in the third quarter and equaled the Conquistadors in scoring in the last quarter. However, it was not enough for NWCC to overcome the slow start. 

"They just settled down, settled in, and realized that there's still basketball," Coach Williams said. "Just had a slow start. When we did make adjustments in the second half, it was good to see those adjustments come through. 

Story and Mitchell provided a spark for the Rangers throughout the game scoring 11 and 14 points, respectively. Story also managed to grab her 25th double-double of the season with 15 rebounds to go with her 11 points.  

Layla Hampton also proved to be a bright spot for the Rangers scoring 10 points in the contest.  

Although the season ended sooner than Northwest would have liked, the message is clear. Reaching this point is now the standard.  

"Northwest has a reputation of winning championships. This is the standard, getting back to this point," Head Coach Williams said. "I just talked to our freshmen and let them know that the foundation has been laid, so you have got to build on what we did this year." 

To stay up to date on the NWCC women's basketball team, follow the Ranger social media accounts or go to nwccrangers.com.