MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - The Knox Prairie Fire women's soccer team defeated the Cornell College Rams in Mount Vernon this Tuesday, winning by a score of 2-0. By recording their seventh shutout of the season, the Prairie Fire remain undefeated in conference play with a 6-0 record clinching a berth in the Midwest Conference Tournament. Their overall record sits at 8-6-1.

Knox's offense got off to an exceedingly hot start, with deep runs and passes over the defense putting the team in dangerous positions for the Cornell defense. After a nice shot from Ashlynn Lenertz, Emma Art finally finished the threat by scoring in only the 4th minute from a Lenertz assist. Adding to a series of quick starts for the Prairie Fire, Art showcased her ability to create space for herself and cashed in as a result. Not feeling satisfied with her one goal, Art quickly followed up with her second goal of the game only 11 minutes later. The game quickly settled after this insurance goal, with neither team willing to risk sending players forward and potentially allowing a counterattack. Knox then comfortably entered halftime still up 2-0.

Lydia Mitchell and company continued to mount pressure on the Rams as the second half rolled on. Despite multiple close calls for the Prairie Fire offense, none of their attacks mounted to anything concrete, and they were unable to add to their score. On the other side, Knox's defense held strong, limiting Cornell to 4 shots and hasseling them when they did manage to get the ball on net. Carina Escobar's strong leadership in goal proved to be a calming presence, and her nifty saves also cooled nerves in jittery moments. This allowed the Prairie Fire to coast to their eighth victory of the year.

"Today was a great team win," said head coach Taylor Houck. "The excitement to get on the field and earn our spot in the conference tournament drove us to play a great game. I am very proud of the team for coming out with a win and for continuing to step up for each game. It's been a long season and they just keep proving how much we deserve to be here."

Knox looks to bring home one a victory on Senior Day when they play host to Lake Forest College this Saturday at 11 a.m.