GALESBURG, Illinois - On senior night, the Knox College Softball team drops a pair of games to conference opponents Beloit College this afternoon 0-15, and 3-12.

In game one, the Buccaneers took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. After adding another two runs in the second inning, Beloit exploded for 11 runs in the fourth. With hits from seniors Maya McEwen and Londyn Nelson, and junior Maddie Poetzinger, the Prairie Fire tried to piece together a comeback. Knox unfortunately came up short in five innings. 

In game two, both teams finished off the first inning scoreless. The Buccaneers managed to get on the scoreboard first, bringing in two runs in the second inning. Knox responded with a run of their own in the second inning, with Morgan Bean crossing home plate off a passed ball. After Beloit added another run in the third inning, the Prairie Fire responded with fantastic baserunning from Poetzinger. Beloit managed to extend their lead by batting in two runs in the fourth, and seven runs in the sixth. Knox was able to fire in a run as well in the sixth inning but in the end, came up short against the Buccaneers.

Nelson led the way for the Prairie Fire today with 6 IP and 4 hits through both games. "Had some bright spots today," said interim head coach Casey Hipp. "But again, today we are just leaving too many runners left on base. We need to tighten up our defense and limit our eros. We just have to keep working hard, Although we didn't come out of today with a win, it was a beautiful day to celebrate our seniors," added Hipp.

The Prairie Fire will look for their first conference win on Wednesday when they travel to Iowa for a doubleheader against Grinnell. Games are scheduled for 3 pm and 5 pm.

Congrats to seniors Maya McEwen, Londyn Nelson, and Alycea Burnett!