JACKSONVILLE, Illinois—The Prairie Fire women's soccer team handily defeated the Illinois College Lady Blues today by a final score of 4-1. The impressive victory keeps them undefeated in conference play, and gives them a confidence boost as they head into the meat of their conference schedule.
 
Knox started the first half strong, as they have been keen to do in their recent slate of games. Knox's offense completely overpowered the Lady Blue defense physically and tactically, as they unleashed a barrage of shots on goal. Lydia Mitchell and Jenna Milligan provided a steady amount of offensive opportunities for the Prairie Fire, but Illinois College's keeper Charlotte Crofton proved up to the task, making several impressive saves. Knox kept the pressure on, however, throwing up an astonishing 15 shots on goal in the first half alone. The Lady Blues could not hold them off forever, and McCormick provided the Prairie Fire with their first goal of the game in the 38th minute. The Prairie Fire had a few more opportunities, but entered the half with McCormick's goal all they could show for their efforts.
 
The Prairie Fire saw results for their aggressive attack two minutes into the second half, as Deborah Bonales slotted home a nice shot from close in the box. After a ten minute lull in the action, McCormick hit her second goal of the game to put the Prairie Fire up 3-0. Knox's offense continued to dominate the game, until a surprise goal for the Lady Blues' Hannah Weid cut the Prairie Fire lead to two goals. Undeterred, Emily McParland scored less than two minutes later to get the lead back to three.. Knox cruised the rest of the game, winning comfortably as time expired.
 
Knox looks ahead to their rivalry game away against Monmouth College this Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.