JACKSONVILLE, Illinois—The Prairie Fire volleyball team fell to Illinois College 3-0 in the first Midwest Conference match of the season.

Knox (3-15, 0-1 MWC) played the Lady Blues tight for much of the first set holding an early 10-8 lead before Illinois College went on an 8-0 run to take control. The second set was close in the early going as well with ties at 7-7, 8-8, 12-12, and 13-13. The Lady Blues finished on a 12-4 run to take the second set. Knox fell behind 9-2 in the third set, but battled back to a 15-13 deficit before falling victim to another run by Illinois College.

Kyleigh Guthals (Clovis, NM, Clovis) led the Prairie Fire with 18 digs and Emily Mosher (Glen Ellyn, IL, Glenbard West) tallied 18 assists. Maddie Byrne (Houston, TX, Clear Springs) chipped in six kills to lead Knox.

The Prairie Fire return home for the conference home opener against Lake Forest on October 1.