APPLETON, Wisconsin - The Knox Prairie Fire softball team were defeated 5-2 by the Lawrence University Vikings in the first game of their Thursday doubleheader. Knox was able to split the doubleheader, winning the second game by a decisive final score of 13-1. The win is their second of the season, and potentially sets them up to finish off the season on a high note.
The Prairie Fire took a little bit to feel out the Vikings, falling into a 3-0 hole in the second inning. The team was able to stabilize, though, and Leila Rouhani played no small part in that effort. Those three runs were the only ones she allowed to score all game, as she pitched all six innings while striking out one. Brittney Salinas also had an superlative game, driving in Mimi Schweitzer with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning and then doubling Schweitzer home in the seventh for Knox's only runs of the game. Offense proved to be a struggle outside of their performances, with the Prairie Fire only managing three other hits outside of them. As a result, they were not able to overcome Lawrence's early strike.
It was clear from the beginning pitches that the Prairie Fire were locked in and ready to play. Schweitzer was firing strikes and keeping hitters off balance from the get-go, and she ended up pitching the full five innings while only letting up a single run and striking out five. On the offensive side, the Prairie Fire scorched ground balls and roped hits into the outfield, constantly putting pressure on the Vikings pitchers. Lacey Miller was the embodiment of this approach for Knox, going 2-4 with a double and four RBIs while playing excellent defense at the hot corner. After a single run in the second inning, the Prairie Fire were able to drive across four in the fourth inning, then a decisive eight runs in the fifth sealed the door on the game. Londyn Nelson also played a large part in this scoring bonanza, as she went a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk and both two runs and two RBIs from her position at designated hitter.
"We were finally able to put it all together," said head coach Erin Rutledge. "We have been so close all year and it feels good to see the hard work paying off. We will try to use this as a springboard for the rest of the season."
Knox will try to turn this into good momentum when they host Iowa Wesleyan this Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m.
