18 minute read
SOFTBALL SEASON PREVIEW/OPPONENTS
SEASON OUTLOOK
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LAILA ARMSTRONG MADDIE BROWER
At first glance, a 20-18 overall record might seem like an average year for some college softball programs.
For those who followed Northwest softball in 2021 however, last year was anything but average for the Rangers.
Numerous weather cancellations and some tough sweeps to conference opponents marred the start of the season for Northwest, but the Rangers recovered in a big way, winning four of the last five games of the season to earn a spot in the MACCC Tournament. From there, Northwest staved off elimination to punch its ticket to the Region 23 Tournament for the first time since 2012, upsetting nationally-ranked host LSU-Eunice and falling just two victories short of the program’s first NJCAA Division II World Series appearance.
It marked a major milestone for the Northwest softball program and head coach Chelsea Bramlett, now entering her third season.
“It’s awesome to see the growth that has happened so far,” Bramlett said, in regards to last year’s success. “This year, the sophomores are playing with a chip on their shoulder this season and the freshmen are starting to see that as well. The freshmen have come in and are doing what they are supposed to, and our returning players are building on that tradition as well. We’re really excited about this season and what’s to come.”
Highlighting the journey for the Rangers was the team’s eye-popping performance at the plate. Northwest sported one of the best overall offenses in the nation last season, finishing with a team batting average of .376, ranking 21st in the nation and topping the rest of the MACCC. That lineup included four starters with a .400 batting average or better, along with five other .300 hitters.
As a team, Northwest set or tied single-season records for home runs (51), doubles (83) RBIs (287), hits (410) and slugging percentage (.617), while also earning other milestones. (See full rundown of last season’s records here.)
Seven of those nine hitters are returning for the 2022 season, with third-year sophomore Saige Koczka being the most notable. Koczka, who is exercising her COVID-19 eligibility, proved to be a nightmare for opposing pitchers last season, shattering numerous offensive records in her wake. The Southaven native. Memphis commit and reigning NJCAA and NFCA All-American led the Rangers with a .489 batting average, 20 doubles, 14 home runs, 59 RBIs and a .985 slugging percentage, all new single-season records. However, what makes the returning sophomore core more exciting is the sheer amount of depth behind Koczka. Infielders Kaitlyn Bednarek and Maddie Brower also turned heads with their numbers at the plate last season, with Brower collecting nine homers and 41 RBIs to set new second place totals for both categories in a single season, while edging Koczka for most runs scored in a single season (49).
As for Bednarek, the Southaven native and DeSoto Central product hammered 13 doubles, seven homers and 37 RBIs to rank top five in all three single-season categories. Caylee Comer and Molly Harris also showcased their power at the plate as well, with both players tying for fourth in single-season home runs (6), while also hitting well above .300 at the plate.
Laila Armstrong and Meredith Owen also return to the lineup this season after posting .377 and .320 batting averages, respectively. Owen, another consistent starter, posted a 1.000 fielding percentage in the outfield, while the aforementioned Comer and Koczka each finished with high fielding percentages as well.
While the amount of power at the plate has generated enough excitement, Bramlett believes this year’s numbers could be even better.
“We have a little bit of everything this year,” Bramlett said. “We have speed, power and most of all, leadership. We’re excited to have Meagan back and fully healthy in the circle, and she’s looking great. Of course, Saige is looking to break even with what she did last year and that’s really the case for most of our sophomores. They know what I expect of them and what they expect out of themselves. Offensively, we are looking as good as last year, but I think we’re going to give those stats a run for their money this year.”
One struggle Northwest faced last season was the lack of pitching depth, something that unfortunately plagued the Rangers in several games. At least three notable games ended in walk-offs against Northwest, two coming on the road at Hinds and an extra-inning heartbreak to No. 8 Jones College.
Allen and Koczka return from last year’s pitching unit, though Koczka will likely play more of role at the plate and in the outfield this season. Overall, Northwest now has six options in the circle, including a slew of freshmen in Randi Johnson (Wheeler), Gabby Dickerson (Lewisburg), Kylee Brown (McNairy Central, Tenn.), Anna Nickens (Senatobia) and Gracie Mettetal (Magnolia Heights).
Several other freshmen are also expected to see playing time or possibly draw starts in the field as well. Even with a stacked sophomore unit, Bramlett is impressed with what she has seen out of her freshman unit thus far.
KAITLYN BEDNAREK
SEASON OUTLOOK
“It always takes freshmen a little more time to get in the groove of things and to understand a new coach or a new system,” Bramlett said. “During the fall, we played in over our heads, which was a culture shock but it also got them in there against some big schools. I think they handled it fairly well and they’re all pushing each other and vying for positions. We have a lot in the circle that we can utilize and all of them have a shot to get playing time or draw some starts.”
Despite everything that 2022 could shape up to be, the season won’t be without its struggles, especially in the early portion of the schedule. Northwest is slated to face several nationallyranked opponents straight out of the gate, including two games against No. 11 Three Rivers College (Mo.) in the annual Northeast TigerFest. The Rangers are then scheduled to be pitted against No. 9 Parkland College (Ill.) in the Hinds JUCO Classic in Brandon.
From there, things will get tougher as Northwest opens MACCC competition against three ranked opponents - No. 17 Pearl River, No. 5 Itawamba and No. 8 Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Rangers will then hit the road for three more doubleheaders at East Mississippi, Meridian and Northeast, before hosting No. 2 Jones College and later, No. 10 Copiah-Lincoln late in the season.
“There’s no doubt that the MACCC is one of the toughest conferences in the country,” Bramlett said. “Everything is competitive and every game is stressful. You’re in a battle every single day and that’s something our sophomores already understand, while our freshmen are starting to understand that as well. All it takes is one inning or one pitch to change a game, so you cannot back down until the final pitch is thrown.”
Still, Northwest looks and feels like a team that is poised for a breakout season. Though unranked, the Rangers were one of a handful of teams receiving votes in the NJCAA Division II preseason polls, and the balance of a strong sophomore unit and a budding freshman core has Northwest turning to some lofty, but achievable goals.
“Our girls want to make the World Series,” Bramlett said. “We are deeper in the circle with a lot of variety this year, we can hit and our defense is looking solid right now. The biggest obstacle or challenge is the longevity of our season and being able to stay healthy, focused and wellrested. That’s something that we have to face as coaches as well. Every team and every game provides us a constant battle, so I’m not so worried about records and things like that, but more about closing out close games and ultimately, making it farther through the postseason than we have before.”
SAIGE KOCZKA took the conference - and the nation - by storm in 2021, smashing the single-season and career record books in nearly every offensive category. For her efforts, Koczka was named an All-American by both the NFCA and NJCAA.
2022 SEASON OPPONENTS
National Park College
Calhoun
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Hot Springs, Ark. Founded: 2003 Enrollment: 2,768 President: Dr. John Hogan Athletic Director: Jason Hudnell Conference: NJCAA Region II Nickname: Nighthawks Colors: Blue, White & Dark Grey Ballpark: Hot Springs World Class High School Head Coach: Autumn Wyatt 2021 Record: 25-19 2021 Conference Record: 8-8
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Mark Oliver Phone: (501) 760-6419 Email: mark.oliver@np.edu Web Address: np.edu Series History: First meeting
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Decatur, Ala. Founded: 1946 Enrollment: 8,480 Interim President: Jimmy Hodges Athletic Director: Dr. Nancy Keenum Conference: ACCC Nickname: Warhawks Colors: Blue & White Ballpark: Fred Frickie Park Head Coach: Bart Stephenson 2021 Record: 27-23 2021 Conference Record: 15-14
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD) Phone: (256) 260-4302 Email: nancy.keenum@calhoun.edu Web Address: calhoun.edu Series History: Calhoun leads series 4-2 First Meeting: March 24, 2006 in Booneville: Calhoun 3, Northwest 2 Last Meeting: February 10, 2021 in Booneville: Calhoun 9, Northwest 4
Spoon River College
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Canton, Ill. Founded: 1959 Enrollment: 2,218 President: Curtis Oldfield Athletic Director: John Bassett Conference: MWAC Nickname: Snappers Colors: Navy Blue & Green Ballpark: SRC Field Head Coach: John Bassett 2021 Record: 35-25 2021 Conference Record: 12-12
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD) Phone: (309) 649-6303 Email: john.bassett@src.edu Web Address: src.edu Series History: First meeting
Three Rivers College
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Poplar Bluff, Mo. Founded: 1966 Enrollment: 2,965 President: Wesley Payne Athletic Director: Brian Bess Conference: MCCAC Nickname: Raiders Colors: Black & Gold Ballpark: Rains Field Head Coach: Jeff Null 2021 Record: 44-6 2021 Conference Record: 15-1
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD) Phone: (573) 840-9611, ext. 3626 Email: bbess@trc.edu Web Address: raidersathletics.com Series History: Northwest leads series 5-2 First Meeting: March 24, 2006 in Booneville: Northwest 7, Three Rivers 5 Last Meeting: February 19, 2016 in Booneville: Northwest 14, Three Rivers 3
2022 SEASON OPPONENTS
Bevill State
Parkland College
February 25 • 5 P.M. • Brandon, Miss.
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Sumiton, Ala. Founded: 1992 Enrollment: 3,986 President: Joel Hagood Athletic Director: Max Weaver Conference: ACCC Nickname: Bears Colors: Blue & Green Ballpark: Unnamed campus facility Head Coach: Chris Harris 2021 Record: 3-37 2021 Conference Record: 1-27
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD) Phone: (205) 648-3271, ext. 5133 Email: max.weaver@bscc.edu Web Address: athletics.bscc.edu Series History: Series tied at 1-1 First Meeting: February 26, 2010 in Booneville: Northwest 7, Bevill State 6 Last Meeting: March 15, 2019 in Oxford: Bevill State 5, Northwest 3
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Champaign, Ill. Founded: 1967 Enrollment: 3,250 President: Thomas R. Ramage Athletic Director: Brendan McHale Conference: MWAC Nickname: Cobras Colors: Green & Yellow Ballpark: Parkland Field Head Coach: Dan Paulson, Kristi Paulson (co-head coaches) 2021 Record: 53-9 2021 Conference Record: 20-4
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Nathan DeHaan Phone: (217) 898-1660 Email: ndehaan@parkland.edu Web Address: athletics.parkland.edu Series History: First meeting
Trinity Valley
February 25 • 3 P.M. • Brandon, Miss.
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Athens, Texas Founded: 1946 Enrollment: 7,743 President: Dr. Jerry King Athletic Director: Eddie Kite Conference: NJCAA Region XIV Nickname: Cardinals Colors: Red & White Ballpark: Rip Drumgoole Fied at Cain Park Head Coach: Maria Winn-Ratliff 2021 Record: 33-15 2021 Conference Record: 14-10
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Benny Rogers Phone: (903) 675-6322 Email: brogers@tvcc.edu Web Address: tvccsports.com Series History: First meeting
Jackson State
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Jackson, Tenn. Founded: 1967 Enrollment: 3,542 President: Dr. George J. Pimentel Athletic Director: Steve Cornelison Conference: TCCAA Nickname: GreenJays Colors: Green, Blue and Black Ballpark: Jim Swope Field Head Coach: Taylor Schubert 2021 Record: 6-27 2021 Conference Record: 6-26
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD) Phone: (731) 424-3520, ext. 50239 Email: scornelison@jscc.edu Web Address: jscc.edu/athletics Series History: Jackson State leads series 14-3 First Meeting: April 24, 2007 in Senatobia: Won by forfeit Last Meeting: April 7, 2015 in Senatobia: Northwest 4, Jackson State 3
2022 SEASON OPPONENTS
Kirkwood
Itawamba
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Founded: 1966 Enrollment: 13,788 President: Lori Sundberg Athletic Director: Doug Wagemester Conference: ICCAC Nickname: Eagles Colors: Blue & White Ballpark: Kirkwood Softball Field Head Coach: Eric Frese 2021 Record: 54-12 2021 Conference Record: 36-6
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Jill Williams Phone: (319) 398-5640 Email: jwilliams@kirkwood.edu Web Address: kirkwoodeagles.com Series History: First meeting
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Fulton, Miss. Founded: 1948 Enrollment: 4,238 President: Dr. Jay Allen Athletic Director: Carrie Ball-Williamson Conference: MACCC Nickname: Indians Colors: Red & Navy Ballpark: ICC Softball Complex Head Coach: Andy Kirk 2021 Record: 36-9 2021 Conference Record: 25-3
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Adam Gore Phone: (662) 862-8059 Email: acgore@iccms.edu Web Address: letsgoicc.com Series History: Northwest leads series 32-31 First Meeting: April 10, 2001 in Senatobia: Northwest 20, Itawamba 6 Last Meeting: April 22, 2021 in Fulton: Itawamba 8, Northwest 1
Pearl River
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Poplarville, Miss. Founded: 1924 Enrollment: 3,914 President: Dr. Adam Breerwood Athletic Director: Scotty Fletcher Conference: MACCC Nickname: Wildcats Colors: Maroon & Gold Ballpark: Wildcat Stadium Head Coach: Christie Meeks 2021 Record: 27-15 2021 Conference Record: 19-9
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Dylan Dunaway Phone: (601) 403-1488 Email: ddunaway@prcc.edu Web Address: prccathletics.com Series History: Pearl River leads series 14-7 First Meeting: May 11, 2007 in Clinton: Pearl River 3, Northwest 1 Last Meeting: February 27, 2021 in Poplarville: Pearl River 19, Northwest 11 (6 inn.)
Mississippi Gulf Coast
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Perkinston, Miss. Founded: 1911 Enrollment: 5,678 President: Dr. Mary S. Graham Athletic Director: Steven Campbell, Jr. Conference: MACCC Nickname: Bulldogs Colors: Blue & Gold Ballpark: Ross-Smith Field Head Coach: David Kuhn 2021 Record: 37-16 2021 Conference Record: 24-4
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Don Hammack Phone: (601) 928-6315 Email: don.hammack@mgccc.edu Web Address: mgcccbulldogs.com Series History: Mississippi Gulf Coast leads 13-3 First Meeting: March 10, 2006 in Senatobia: Northwest 3, Mississippi Gulf Coast 2 Last Meeting: May 15, 2021 in Eunice, La: Mississippi Gulf Coast 10, Northwest 8
2022 SEASON OPPONENTS
East Mississippi
Northeast
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Scooba, Miss. Founded: 1927 Enrollment: 3,232 President: Scott Alsobrooks Athletic Director: Sharon Thompson Conference: MACCC Nickname: Lions Colors: Red, Black & White Ballpark: EMCC Softball Field Head Coach: Whitney Hawkins 2021 Record: 7-27 2021 Conference Record: 7-21
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: David Rosinski Phone: (662) 476-5042 Email: drosinski@eastms.edu Web Address: emccathletics.com Series History: East Mississippi leads series 27-26 First Meeting: April 4, 2001 in Scooba: East Mississippi 14, Northwest 4 Last Meeting: March 3, 2021 in Oxford: Northwest 9, East Mississippi 8
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Booneville, Miss. Founded: 1948 Enrollment: 3,500 President: Ricky G. Ford Athletic Director: Kent Farris Conference: MACCC Nickname: Tigers Colors: Black & Gold Ballpark: Northeast Sportsplex Head Coach: Jody Long 2021 Record: 23-19 2021 Conference Record: 16-12
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Blake Long Phone: (662) 720-7448 Email: bdlong@nemcc.edu Web Address: nemccathletics.com Series History: Northeast leads series 44-30 First Meeting: April 7, 2001 in Senatobia: Northeast 5, Northwest 4 Last Meeting: May 6, 2021 in Fulton: Northwest 12, Northeast 6
Meridian
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Meridian, Miss. Founded: 1937 Enrollment: 3,096 President: Dr. Tom Huebner Athletic Director: Sander Atkinson Conference: MACCC Nickname: Eagles Colors: Green & White Ballpark: Tommy McDonald Field Head Coach: Faith Robinson 2021 Record: 8-29 2021 Conference Record: 5-23
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Christopher Haralson Phone: (601) 484-8828 Email: charals1@meridiancc.edu Web Address: mcceagles.com Series History: Northwest leads series 7-3 First Meeting: April 16, 2016 in Meridian: Northwest 6, Meridian 1 Last Meeting: March 12, 2021 in Senatobia: Meridian 10, Northwest 5
Jones College
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Ellisville, Miss. Founded: 1911 Enrollment: 3,876 President: Dr. Jesse Smith Athletic Director: Joel Cain Conference: MACCC Nickname: Bobcats Colors: Maroon & Gold Ballpark: Community Bank Park Head Coach: Chris Robinson 2021 Record: 47-9 2021 Conference Record: 22-6
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Kevin Maloney Phone: (601) 477-4146 Email: kevin.maloney@jcjc.edu Web Address: jcbobcats.com Series History: Jones College leads series 17-0 First Meeting: March 3, 1990 in Ellisville: Jones College 3, Northwest 1 Last Meeting: March 20, 2021 in Senatobia: Northwest 3, Jones College 2
2022 SEASON OPPONENTS
Coahoma
Holmes
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Clarksdale, Miss. Founded: 1949 Enrollment: 1,860 President: Dr. Valmadge Towner Athletic Director: Reggy Hankerson Conference: MACCC Nickname: Tigers Colors: Maroon & Silver Ballpark: Eddie C. Smith Sportsplex Head Coach: Whitney Brinston 2021 Record: 0-31 2021 Conference Record: 0-21
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Bradley Charles Phone: (662) 621-4044 Email: bcharles@coahomacc.edu Web Address: coahomasports.com Series History: Northwest leads series 56-2 First Meeting: April 20, 2004 in Senatobia: Northwest 19, Coahoma 0 Last Meeting: March 24, 2021 in Clarksdale: Northwest 19, Coahoma 4
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Goodman, Miss. Founded: 1925 Enrollment: 5,678 President: Dr. Jim Haffey Athletic Director: Andy Wood Conference: MACCC Nickname: Bulldogs Colors: Cardinal, Black & White Ballpark: Lady Bulldogs Softball Field Head Coach: Trae Embry 2021 Record: 22-16 2021 Conference Record: 13-15
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Steve Diffey Phone: (662) 472-9068 Email: sdiffey@holmescc.edu Web Address: holmesathletics.com Series History: Northwest leads series 39-19 First Meeting: March 24, 2001 in Senatobia: Northwest 4, Holmes 1 Last Meeting: March 24, 2021 in Senatobia: Northwest 9, Holmes 0 (5 inn.)
Hinds
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Raymond, Miss. Founded: 1903 Enrollment: 12,000 President: Dr. Stephen Vacik Athletic Director: Nathan Werremeyer Conference: MACCC Nickname: Eagles Colors: Maroon & White Ballpark: Rene Warren Field Head Coach: Mike Grzanich 2021 Record: 16-19 2021 Conference Record: 14-14
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Matthew Alford Phone: (601) 857-3323 Email: matthew.alford@hindscc.edu Web Address: sports.hindscc.edu Series History: Hinds leads series 17-10 First Meeting: March 4, 2006 in Raymond: Hinds 1, Northwest 0 Last Meeting: March 27, 2021 in Raymond: Hinds 4, Northwest 3
East Central
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Decatur, Miss. Founded: 1928 Enrollment: 1,958 President: Dr. Brent Gregory Athletic Director: Paul Nixon Conference: MACCC Nickname: Warriors Colors: Black & Gold Ballpark: ECCC Softball Complex Head Coach: Leigh White 2021 Record: 13-27 2021 Conference Record: 11-17
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Lucas Calvert Phone: (601) 635-6377 Email: lcalvert@eccc.edu Web Address: ecccathletics.com Series History: East Central leads series 15-7 First Meeting: May 5, 2007: East Central 9, Northwest 3 Last Meeting: April 26, 2021 in Decatur: Northwest 18, East Central 4 (5 inn.)
2022 SEASON OPPONENTS
Mississippi Delta
Southwest Mississippi
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Moorhead, Miss. Founded: 1926 Enrollment: 3,609 President: Dr. Tyrone Jackson Athletic Director: Jason Conner Conference: MACCC Nickname: Trojans Colors: Red & Black Ballpark: Carl & Brenda Grubb Softball Complex Head Coach: Dylinn Rowland 2021 Record: 4-34 2021 Conference Record: 4-24
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Jason Conner Phone: (662) 246-6479 Email: jconner@msdelta.edu Web Address: mdcctrojans.com Series History: Northwest leads series 54-10 First Meeting: March 20, 2001 in Senatobia: Northwest 4, Mississippi Delta 1 Last Meeting: April 6, 2021 in Moorhead: Northwest 14, Mississippi Delta 0 (5 inn.)
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Summit, Miss. Founded: 1932 Enrollment: 1,788 President: Dr. J. Steven Bishop Athletic Director: Bill Wallace Conference: MACCC Nickname: Bears Colors: Blue & Red Ballpark: SMCC Softball Field Head Coach: Shea Johnson 2021 Record: 21-17 2021 Conference Record: 13-15
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Travis Connelly Phone: (601) 276-3878 Email: tconnelley@smcc.edu Web Address: southwestbearathletics.com Series History: Series tied 9-9 First Meeting: March 3, 2006 in Senatobia: Northwest 6, Southwest Mississippi 5 Last Meeting: April 25, 2021 in Senatobia: Northwest 15, Southwest Mississippi 7 (5 inn.)
Copiah-Lincoln
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Wesson, Miss. Founded: 1928 Enrollment: 3,094 President: Dr. Jane Hulon Sims Athletic Director: Bryan Nobile Conference: MACCC Nickname: Wolves Colors: Blue & Gray Ballpark: Co-Lin Softball Complex Head Coach: Meleah Howard 2021 Record: 32-11 2021 Conference Record: 22-6
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Natalie Davis Phone: (601) 643-8354 Email: natalie.davis@colin.edu Web Address: colinathletics.com Series History: Copiah-Lincoln leads series 9-3 First Meeting: March 19, 2016 in Senatobia: Copiah-Lincoln 8, Northwest 1 Last Meeting: May 7, 2021 in Fulton: Copiah-Lincoln 8, Northwest 3
