GALESBURG, Illinois - The Knox Prairie Fire women's basketball team lost 57-44 to the Buena Vista Beavers at their home opener this Friday. The loss is their second of the year, as they look to move onto their next game.
The Prairie Fire started off on equal footing with the Beavers, as each team's defense was impressive early. Knox held the Beavers to only 38% shooting in the first half, with the Prairie Fire's guards doing an excellent job harassing Buena Vista's playmakers. Additionally, the Prairie Fire let up just two three pointers, suffocating the Beavers' shooters, as well. Unfortunately, Knox's offense had woes of their own, not being able to separate on the scoreboard. Catessa Duran put up six points in the first two quarters while attempting to give the team a spark. Because of this, the Prairie Fire entered the half trailing by a single point.
Knox's offense got into a much better rhythm to begin the second half. The Prairie Fire shot 50% from the field in the third quarter, including draining a couple of three pointers. Duran's rebounding prowess helped on the defensive end as well, as she gathered 12 boards throughout the whole game. As the fourth quarter rolled around, however, Knox's offense lost all of its bearings, going only 3-of-14 shooting and being unable to create any spacing on the floor. Buena Vista was able to take advantage of this, as they outscored the Prairie Fire 21-7 in the final quarter. This erased the close score that was prevalent throughout the game, leading to the final score.
"We had another tough one tonight," said head coach Kira Mowen. "As we progress as a team throughout the season we will be able to close out these close games. Accountability is a huge focus for us this month, with that being said as a program we need to figure out these little issues that are holding us back. Rebounding, turnovers. Scoring in transition. Our standards need to be higher and we will get there!"
The Prairie Fire look to win their first game of the season when they host Eureka College this Tuesday at 7 p.m.
