It was a brisk 40• with a stupid wind blowing from the east as our besties took the pitch against the Vikings from Lawrence University. As a reminder, when we played at Lawrence, we won 4-1. A thorough routing, and the Vikings knew this coming into the game. But so did the besties.

Only one word can describe the first half: physical. Lots of bumping and aggressive play marked a stellar defensive half from the back half crew Deborah Bonales (SR. Fullerton, CA.), Haleigh Lecklitner (SR. Silverthorne, CO.), Carina Escobar (JR. Guatemala City, Guatemala), and Taryn Elsner (JR. Fullerton, CO.). They came out to prove that the one goal in the last outing was a fluke and allowed 0 shots on goal in the first half. At the 37 minute mark, Lydia Mitchell (SR. Maryville, MO.) takes the ball, fakes right, goes left and from 20yds out drills a goal into the lower corner of the goal putting the Knox Prairie Fire up 1-0 at the end of the half.

The second half did not disappoint. After what I can only assume was a extremely motivational and inspiring halftime talk in the locker room, the Prairie Fire came out hot in the second half. At the 29 minute mark, Lydia Mitchell had a date with the back of the net as she smoked the ball through the Viking goalkeeper (again 💅🏻). While all of this was going on, Ashlynn Lenertz (FY. Redlands, CA) was on some Hot Girl s*** in the defensive zone making sure to give the Vikings no shot at scoring. Joining in the hot girl s*** at the 7 minute mark was Emily McParland (SR. Westminster, CO) who added a third goal to the scoreboard making it 3-0 Besties which ended up being the final score.

What’s not lost on this amateur sports reporter is the impact the sidelines had on this game. Providing constant energy and both encouragement and heckles to the refs and Vikings. In most posts we have one specific quote deemed ‘heard from the sidelines’, but with this game there were too many to choose from so here are our favorites:

1. “DO IT FOR THE BLOG”-random fan
2. “You saving that cowbell for a special occasion or you going to ring that thing?”-one dad to another
3. “Oh shit. My bad.”-Emma Art (SR. Tucson, AZ) after a pass was intercepted
4. “Am I the ~*~Drama~*~?”-what one fan envisioned our offensive front was saying in their minds every time a Vikings player raised their hands in disgust.
5. “You know I’m right because you’re smiling”-one amateur sports reporter to the center ref

As always, our women killed it. They played tough, they played together, and they made this amateur sports reporter proud. Next game is tomorrow at 11am. Rest up because we have some ass to kick.

That was a good team effort.

Knox College President Andy McGadney