GRINNELL, Iowa - The Prairie Fire softball team dropped a doubleheader at Grinnell 9-1 and 9-1 to open conference play.

The first two innings in game one were close, but the Pioneers erupted for seven runs in the next two innings to take a commanding lead and win in five innings.

Knox held Grinnell to no runs in the first inning of game two, but allowed four runs to the Pioneers in the second and fifth innings for a six inning loss.

Casey Hipp led the Prairie Fire with three hits in four at bats. She added an RBI. Taylynn Kizer and Leila Rouhani also added two hits apiece.

"We had some good innings, but ultimately let a few bad innings do us in," said head coach Erin Rutledge. "We show signs of breaking out, but couldn't quite put it all together today. We will get back to work as we get into conference play."

Knox returns to action as they travel to Illinois College on April 6.