PELLA, Iowa - The Prairie Fire volleyball team dropped a three set match to Wisconsin-Stout on Friday to open the season at the Grinnell-Central Tournament.

Emme Patton led the way with nine assists, while Chiho Okada tallied eight digs. Peyton Balfour, Allie Dockins, and Abbie Layne racked up three kills apiece. Maya McEwen added six digs and a kill.

"This was a tough match to begin the season," said head coach Lonnie Rinell. "We have worked hard this preseason and now we have the first game jitters out of the way. I think we will bounce back tomorrow and show some of the progress we have been making in practice."

Knox returns to action on September 2 at the Grinnell-Central Tournament with games against Buena Vista and Bethany Lutheran.