Galesburg, IL – A big second half by Spalding University spoiled the Prairie Fire’s season opener.

The Golden Eagles scored three times after intermission to claim a 4-1 non-conference victory against Knox on Friday at Jorge Prats Field.

The Prairie Fire (0-1) took a 1-0 lead when first-year Abigail Jackson (Poplar Grove, IL, Belvidere North) scored at the 10:29 mark of the contest.  Spalding (1-1) responded with a goal at 13:15 to tie the match at 1 apiece, a score that stood at the break.

Spalding took the lead for good with a goal at 57:37.  The Golden Eagles extended the advantage with goals at 67:16 and 71:56 while holding Knox scoreless in the second half.

Spalding outshot the Prairie Fire 17-13 overall and had nine shots on goal to seven for Knox.

Junior Rachael Koene (Golden Valley, MN, Benilde-St. Margaret's) had five saves in goal for the Prairie Fire.

Knox resumes play on Monday, September 3 against Roosevelt University.  The match at Jorge Prats Field gets underway at 1:00 p.m.

Follow Prairie Fire athletics on Twitter