The Prairie Fire softball team picked up two conference wins against Lawrence today for their last home games of the season. Knox has now won three straight against the Vikings dating back to last year. It is also the first sweep for the Prairie Fire over Lawrence since the league stopped divisional play.
The Prairie Fire scored first in game one with two runs in the bottom of the second. Knox scored another pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth and an additional solo run in the sixth. The Fire led 5-0 going into the seventh inning. Lawrence came into the final inning looking to score a few. Knox began to feel the pressure a bit as Lawrence scored three runs. Knox was still holding onto the lead with two outs and one runner on for Lawrence. The runner was left on and Lawrence was unable to produce any additional runs. Knox wins 5-3.
Game two began with a scoreless first inning, but it was soon turned around with a pair of Knox runs in the bottom of the second. The Prairie Fire kept their momentum and continued to score for the rest of the game. Knox led 4-0 going into the fifth. Lawrence was looking to score runs and attempted to do so with a single at the start of the inning. The Prairie Fire defense kept their demeanor and quickly ended the inning with three outs and no runs scored. Knox continued their scoring streak with four additional runs. The game ended in five innings, with a 8-0 Knox win.
Maya McEwen, Liv Dunn, Lacey Miller and Taylynn Kizer led the Fire today racking up three hits a piece. Mimi Schweitzer allowed only one hit in game two.
“We were able to show exactly what kind of team we are today,” said head coach Erin Clark. “We were able to adjust well, and with that we were able to produce some big wins today. A sweep always makes for a good day, especially when it’s our last showing on our home field this season.”
Knox softball will continue play on April 25th at Harris Stowe State University at 3:00 and 5:00 P.M.