GALESBURG, Illinois - The Prairie Fire volleyball team dropped their home opener 3-0 to Blackburn on Tuesday night.

Knox jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first set and led 13-5, but the Beavers stormed back to win 25-23.

Blackburn took a 5-0 lead in the second set, but the Prairie Fire cut their lead to 6-5. The Beavers led 13-10 midway through the set, but went on a 7-0 run to take a commanding lead. Blackburn won set two 25-13.

The second set was back-and-forth, with Knox leading 12-11 and 20-18. The Beavers took four straight points to take the lead and held on for a 25-22 victory in the third set.

Allie Dockins led the Prairie Fire with nine kills. Abbie Layne tallied seven blocks. Emme Patton added 16 assists and 11 digs.

"We were right there the whole match," said head coach Lonnie Rinell. "We took the early lead in set one, but Blackburn took control and we couldn't quite get get it back. We made a lot of strides tonight so definitely some good things to build on."

Knox will return to action on September 22 as they battle Fontbonne at the Millikin Tournament.