JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - The Prairie wrapped up its Saturday tri-match at Illinois College with an incredible five set thriller against Eureka, but unfortunately came home with a pair of losses
Illinois College opened the day with a 25-15, 25-18, 25-19 victory over the Prairie Fire. Lydia Karli, Zoe Thunhurst, and Miley Frakes each recorded five kills.
Rebeca Hernandez-Rivera led the defense with 12 digs. Thunhurst also contributed nine assists.
The Prairie Fire responded with a strong effort against Eureka, taking the opening set 26-24 before dropping the second by a tight margin. Knox regained the advantage with a 25-21 victory in the third set, but the Red Devils forced a deciding fifth set with a 25-19 win in the fourth.
Eureka took control of the final set, winning 15-5 to secure the 3-2 victory.
Maria Jabor Jahn and Thunhurst led the Knox offense with 10 kills apiece, while Elle Haddon and De'Mya Robinson each added seven. Thunhurst also recorded 22 assists and 14 digs, and Bri Holland contributed 18 assists and nine digs.
Hernandez-Rivera anchored the Prairie Fire defense with a match-high 34 digs, while Anaya President added nine digs and two service aces.
Knox finished with 48 kills and 90 digs against Eureka.
The Prairie Fire will head North next Saturday for another tri-match at Beloit, taking on Alverno and the Buccaneers.
