GALESBURG, Illinois - The Prairie Fire women's basketball team secured their spot in the Midwest Conference basketball tournament with their 67-40 win over Cornell College on Saturday afternoon. Before the game, Knox honored seniors Nyah Daniels, Sarina Dacio and Saxon Alvarez. 

The Prairie Fire jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead over the Rams in the first quarter. Cornell managed to come back, tying the game up 11-11 going into the second period.

Cornell pulled away a bit in the beginning of second quarter, leading Knox 18-13. The game was quickly tied up again at 25-25 with 2:19 left to play before the half. The Prairie Fire pushed past the Rams, leading 29-25 going into half-time.

Knox held off Cornell for the whole third period, leading 49-35 going into the final period of play.

The Prairie Fire outscored the Rams 18-5 in the fourth quarter, and secured the win.

Kylee Callahan led the Prairie Fire with 16 points. Dacio tallied 13 points and seven steals. Daniels added 12 points and nine rebounds. Alvarez tacked on 12 points of her own.

"Cornell was right on our heels during the first half," said Head Coach Seth McDowell "but we came out in the second half with a game-plan and overall we executed well. I am excited to see what we can do as we move into tournament play. We just need stay focused, and keep working hard."

The Prairie Fire will face Illinois College on February 23rd for their first game of the MWC tournament. The game will take place at Ripon College with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 P.M.