RIPON, Wisconsin—The Prairie Fire women's tennis team dropped a pair of conference matches on Saturday.

Knox coming off a win came out strong in doubles against Ripon College. #1 doubles (Bhumika Gupta/Himani Patel) dominated their opponents with an 8-2 win. Knox managed a #3 doubles (Jamahra Richardson/Laurel Stugart) win to close out their doubles matches.

On her first collegiate win Richardson said "I've been doubting my ability but now I have confidence. I know what I need to fix to have more consistency."

Knox was outmatched in singles but Patel managed to outplay her opponent and win 6-0 and 6-1. Patel said "It's always a challenge playing Ripon. I remained positive, figured out my opponent's weakness, and played my best."

The next match for Knox was against St. Norbert College.

In doubles, the Green Knights outmatched the Prairie Fire taking all three matches. In singles, Gupta won the sole singles match for the Prairie Fire 6-3, 6-1 over Paulson.

Gupta said "I knew my opponent was going to be one of the best in the conference. I did not have very high expectations but I just wanted to win and play my best tennis. I played one point at a time, kept my head in the game and fought through the end and win against her. It was one of my best wins since my first year."
 
After a long day of matches head coach Meredith Witherell said "Based on their performance in today's matches, the women have shown great improvement in physical and mental toughness. I am proud of each of these women."

All members of the Prairie Fire team now have at least one win to the season. The Prairie Fire are headed to Appleton, Wisconsin to face Lawrence University on September 15.