NAPERVILLE, Illinois—The Prairie Fire women's basketball team lost their season opener at North Central 62-54 on Saturday night.
 
Knox held a slight 13-12 edge after one quarter, but fell behind 18-14 early in the second period. The Prairie Fire battled back to take a 28-22 lead into halftime.
 
Knox added to their lead early in the second half holding a 34-24 lead with 7:04 left in the third quarter. The Cardinals scored nine straight points to battle back to a one-point deficit before taking a 37-36 lead in the closing seconds of the period. Jordyn Dole knocked down a pair of free throw with four seconds remaining to give Knox a 38-37 lead heading into the final period.
 
North Central took control early in the final stanza by scoring the first eight points to take a 45-38 lead. Knox battled back to a four-point deficit with 6:07 to play, but would get no closer as the Cardinals held on for the victory.
 
Jarrelyn McCall led the Prairie Fire with 17 points. She also grabbed seven rebounds. Morgan Potter scored 11 points and pulled down nine boards.
 
"We did lots of good things tonight, but sputtered offensively in the third quarter," said head coach Emily Cline. "I am encouraged by our potential, we need to clean up turnovers and a few other things. It will be good to play again on Wednesday."
 
Knox travels to Eureka on November 14 to continue their early season road swing.