PASADENA, California - The Prairie Fire women's basketball team fell to Caltech 68-58 on December 18.
Olivia Palepoi put Knox on the board first when she finished a layup in the second minute of the game. After an early 9-9 tie, the Beavers got red hot in the final four minutes of the first quarter to take a 25-11 lead.
Sarina Dacio cut into the Caltech lead when she hit a three-pointer to kick off the second period. Despite a better quarter, the Prairie Fire still trailed 42-25 at halftime.
Knox outscored the Beavers 33-26 in the second half, but only briefly cut the deficit to under double-digits.
Haylee Carpenter led the Prairie Fire with 13 points on a 4-of-8 showing from long-range. Sarina Dacio added 11 points, hitting three treys. Jessica Lee chipped in 10 points, while Catessa Duran tallied seven points and 11 rebounds.
"The second half showed more of what we are capable of," said head coach Kira Mowen. "We faltered a bit defensively at the end of the first quarter and credit to Caltech they also shot very well, but we have to find ways to stop those runs by other teams."
Knox returns to action on January 1 as they host Luther before resuming league play on January 4.