RIPON, Wisconsin - The Prairie Fire women's basketball team advanced to the Midwest Conference Tournament Championship with a 97-80 victory over Illinois College on Friday night. Knox will move on to a rematch with host Ripon. Last season the Prairie Fire defeated the Red Hawks 64-61 in the tournament final.

The Lady Blues got off to a fast start and led 20-12 after the first quarter.

Knox outscored Illinois College 27-13 in the second period to take a 39-33 into halftime.

The Lady Blues worked the game to within two points early in the third quarter, but the Prairie Fire took command from there and soon held a double-digit advantage.

Knox outscored Illinois College 25-19 in the third quarter and 33-28 in the final period.

The Prairie Fire shot 43.6% overall, including a 40.9% showing from beyond the arc. Knox outrebounded the Lady Blues 45-40 for the game.

Sarina Dacio led the Prairie Fire with 30 points. She shot 10-for-16 overall, including 6-of-12 from long-range. Bria Medina racked up 22 points and 10 rebounds to tally a double-double. She also dished out six assists. Kylee Callahan added 19 points and seven rebounds. Nyah Daniels also notched a double-double with 18 points and 12 boards.

"We got off to another slow start against Illinois College, but we stayed with our plan and kept the game close enough early to stage a comeback," said head coach Seth McDowell. "We played so well the final three quarters and I am so proud of the team for their resilience. Now we get to challenge for the tournament championship."

Knox returns to action on February 24 at 3:00 p.m. in the winner-take-all game against Ripon. The victor will receive the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Our play-by-play commentator Nate Gonner will again have an audio-only broadcast here: https://prairiefire.knox.edu/watch/?Live=157&type=Live