It’s thanksgiving day and while everyone is lacing up for a Turkey trot or searching frantically for their stretchy pants, the crew at the Prairie Fire Sports Network wanted to give our top five list of things to be thankful for. Clearly there are more than 10, and these are in no particular order, but here we go:

We are thankful for health and the ability to move our bodies. For some of our besties their season may have hit a bump in the road with injuries and while we hate to see it happen, we are thankful that they are receiving the care they need to so that they can experience a life of generational health. Collegiate athletics is an amazing experience whether you’re D3 or D1, but the reality is for 90% of us our competitive athletic career ends after graduation, and so we are thankful for the habitudes (habits + attitudes) that athletics has engrained in us that promote movement and good physical health.

Speaking of injuries, we are thankful for those who provide the care we need so that we can perform to the best of our abilities. Athletic trainers, counselors, physical therapists, doctors, the list could go on and on. Often at sacrifice to social and familial obligations, these care providers are more than just that. They are our friends. When an injury occurs, they might not know the exact specific treatment available, but they are honest and forthcoming and willing to work diligently and thoughtfully to get us back to our court or field.

We’re thankful for our coaching staff who spend hours upon hours doing more than writing plays. They listen to our problems, invite us over for dinners; they get to know us as a person instead of a jersey number. From the recruitment period to the final whistle of our last game, these coaches pour countless hours into our lives to make us the best, most well rounded athlete and person we can be. As a sports reporting network, we are especially thankful for the insider access our coaches have given us to their team and for the time given for interviews.

Of course we’re thankful for our teammates. The people with whom we share the experiences of competition, and grow close together. Our teammates become our friends, they become roommates, they become confidants, they become designated drivers (shout out to my former teammates and the Chicago Transit Authority). Teammates win together, they lose together, the laugh together, they cry together. The bond between teammates knows no cultural barrier, no language barrier; the bond knows no gender or sexual identity barrier, it doesn’t care about your socio-economic class, and it doesn’t care about your age. Teammates are special people, and ones we remember fondly and give thanks for.

Finally, we’re thankful for our family. All of the junior league practices, the equipment purchased only to be our grown half way through the season, the amount of time spent on bleachers or in stands in places unfamiliar. Our family sacrificed a lot for us to be able to play the sport we love playing, and they would do it all again if they had the choice. We understand that not all of us have a solid relationship with our family, or have family members that are no longer with us, and so we also are thankful for the ways that these unfortunate events have put us on the path we are now.

To all of our athletes, coaches, fans, family, and those who just happen upon this page: we love you, we mean it; Be good, be well, behave; and have a happy Thanksgiving. #FireUp

It’s a 5pm on a Tuesday night, and after an early bird supper at 156 East, we sped off to Memorial Gym to watch the besties face off against Fontbonne University—henceforth known as FU. With energy pumping through the veins of the Besties stepped on to the court ready to ball hard.

The first quarter was nothing to sleep on. From the opening tip off, the besties came out on (prairie) fire. Already up 9-0, Jessica Lee (Sr. Omaha, Ne.) pulls in two huge rebounds before passing out and getting open for a solid shot from beyond the arch. Flustered, the other team made the hand signal and the refs said FU…time-out. You could tell from the onset that the besties came out ready to prove that their defense was nothing to mess with. On each inbounding pass, the look of impending doom came across the FU faces as they dribbled up and down the court, but they were met with quick hands and shut down defense. Towards the end of the first quarter, with four quick passes Madi Bunger (Sr., Kirkland,IL) was found under the basket for an easy uncontested layup and the crowd…went…nuts. At the end of the first, it was besties 30, resties-12.
One quick thing to point out: since this is a Prairie Fire athletics page (unofficially), and because our heart beats all things Knox, we want to alert fans to a misunderstanding. It was brought to our attention that head coach Kira Mowen unintentionally wore red and black buffalo plaid pants on the sidelines during this home game at Memorial Gym. While we obviously know that those are “the team down 34″s colors, when reached for comment Coach Mowen had this to say:

No comment…but it’s buffalo plaid season and Christmas is coming. Knox Forever.

Kira Mowen regarding the buffalo plaid controversy

After some overwhelming offensive production in the first quarter, we enter the second quarter with the same sort of aggression…though it might have been a little too much. Fouls were flying, (though let’s be honest some of them were weak calls), but FU had a lot of difficulty hitting the free shots. Not to continue too much into the fashion realm, because this is a basketball post, but the refs must have forgotten it’s hot girl autumn because they made Kristin Herndon (Jr. Hopkins, Mo.) take out her earrings and nose ring. They clearly don’t know what’s in and what’s out, but back to basketball. Not only a two-sport phenom, Catessa Duran (Sr. Albuquerque, NM)had two impressive kills blocks on the court; blocks so impressive that they were called “NBA-esque blocks” by fellow Super Fan Meg. A pivotal play in the second quarter comes from sophomore Mae Callahan (So., Tucson, Az.) with the sticky-fingers steal and a tough lay-up forcing her to the charity stripe. It’s this kind of aggressive and impressive defense, and strong lay-ups without fear of fouls, that our coaching staff has been preaching and teaching. Like a favorite movie, when you sit in the stands, you find something new each time that you can clearly tell the besties have been working on in practice.

Due to some unfortunate scheduling conflicts, this sports fan was only able to attend to the first half though our anonymous sources have said the second half was even better than the first. Baskets were made, passes were passed, and when the buzzer sounded at the end of the fourth the final score was
Besties-77
Resties-63

As we say, win or loss, we are very proud of the teamwork displayed on the court. You could really tell that our besties were out there having fun and doing their best. We can’t wait for the next game on Saturday at Memorial Gym. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone, and as always #FireUp.

It’s mid November, it’s getting dark out earlier and our Prairie Fire womens basketball team harnessed that energy as they were lights out in Memorial Gym in their matchup with the Eureka Eagles. Some have had this game earmarked as the battle of the 309 presidents as Lincoln (famously) spoke at Knox and Reagan (famously) attended Eureka (and also went to elementary school at Silas Willard in Galesburg). But you didn’t come here for President facts, you came here for basketball.

The first quarter our Besties came out on (Prairie) Fire playing shut down defense and being led by the rebounding machine Kristin Herndon. Offensively the besties were led by the sharpshooter Sarina Dacio who ended the first quarter with 8pts. The first quarter ended with a score 18-9 in favor of the besties.

Coming into the second quarter with a lead, the besties decided that it was so much fun, they should continue to do that. True to her word, head coach Kira Mowen’s offense was spreading the ball around with speed and accuracy with what seemed like each bestie getting a touch or two before shots went up. Before you knew it our Prairie Fire went into halftime up 41-25.

What stood out in the third quarter was not only the tough shots that our besties put up, not only the heart and passion they continued to display, but came from one of the fans in the stand. Athletic Director Daniella Irle in awe of the gorgeous offensive movement *allegedly* had this to say: “in honor of how well our team is moving, I’m thinking of a food court outside of memorial gym called ‘pick a roll’. Get it? Like pick and roll….the basketball play…?” This is an allegedly developing story that is with nearly 100% certainty not happening, but we will update you as this develops. With not much scoring happening, the third quarter closes as Knox continued to lead 48-36.

As the fourth quarter began, the refs continued their laziness with their whistles with multiple jump balls called as fouls against our besties. And while they said they were sorry, the refs still gave them a foul. That was dumb on the refs part because all it did was make us play harder. With gritted teeth, and a clear smile on their faces, the besties were laser focused on closing the game out with a win. The shots were sank (sunk? I’m not sure what the tense is) and most impressive was the amount of players who were able to get involved. As she checked in to the game in the fourth quarter, the stands near this sports reporter went crazy as Madi Bunger checked into the game. As she moved across the court effortlessly, she created great opportunities for others and got off a really tough shot in the paint surrounded by Eureka players. With the final whistle, the final score was besties 70 resties 57.

This gives Head Coach Kira Mowen and her staff their first home win at Memorial gym. We have no doubt that with her coaching ability and the talent on her roster, there will be many more home wins to celebrate. As always, we’re at PFSN are extremely proud of the way that our besties played and the way they conducted themselves on the court. #FireUp

I don’t know who is hotter: me at my grandparents during the winter when they set they it thermostat to 80• or the Eureka head coach for literally no reason at all

Amateur sports reporter

Snow fall, a good bargain at Marshall’s, and a Knox Womens basketball home opener at Memorial Gym. It was a perfect Friday evening.

Sitting in the stands next to fellow super fan Meg, we watched the besties play hard and play tough, and showing up late to the first quarter all I can say is it ended tied 13-13.

The second quarter started with heads up defense headed up by Catessa Duran (Sr. Albuquerque, NM) which led a flurry of frustrations for the BVU offense. The BVU team brought their passports as travels were frequent and as was heard in the stands, “it’s a good thing the police aren’t here, because there’s a lot of thievery happening on the court.” Two big plays towards the end of the half erupted memorial gym from the Knox crowd: Saxon Alvarez (Jr. El Paso, Tx) drives to the basket for a tough layup with a foul and she nails the free throw. The other big play with less than :30s left in the half comes from Kristin Herndon (Jr. Hopkins, MO) who collects a huge rebound off of a missed shot and puts up a shot only to get fouled. The 6’0” junior hits 1 of 2 free throws to tie the game up as the half comes to a close 23-23.

And if you thought Kristin was done at the half, you would’ve missed hard fought rebounds and snappy ball movement. The third quarter can be described with two words: scrappy and snappy. The passes were quick, the movement and screens were solid, and and our besties were flying left and right diving for loose balls and taking charges. Our third quarter comes to an end with Knox leading 37-36.

The fourth quarter was one with a lot of missed opportunities for the refs to do their jobs. Games cannot be lost by poor officiating, but clearly it can exasperate momentum gained in previous play. And that is what happened in quarter four. BVU came out shooting and as our defense tried to stop, we quickly were overran by unrealistic fouls putting our women in the bonus with 7minutes left to play in the quarter. Did this stop our women from playing rough? Did they give up and throw in the towel? Absolutely not. Down by 8, Sarina Dacio (So. San Diego, CA) puts up a great layup and then turns around and picks the pockets of the BVU offense on the inbound pass. At the final buzzer, the score was BVU 57, Knox Besties 44.

While the end didn’t go how we would have wanted, this sports reporter and the fans in the stand are extremely proud of the way these besties played. As they rest up and watch film, The PFSN reporters cannot be more excited to watch this team develop this season.

New to the blog this basketball season is a series we call 5 on 5: five basketball related questions and five hard hitting questions that everyone wants to know, but only the reporters at Prairie Fire Sports Network have the courage to ask.

Our first 5 on 5 guest is head Coach Kira Mowen. A Pennsylvania native, Coach Mowen comes to Knox after some time at Monmouth University in New Jersey where she showed great success with her individual athletes (NCAA top ten 3pt scorer) and as a team (wins and 35th in defense). Let’s dive into the first five:

PFSN: It’s your first year as a Head Coach at Knox, what’ve been your top three moments from the preseason?

Coach Mowen: My Top 3 moments of preseason would have to involve my players.  I thought we had a great first day Oct. 15th they came ready to take on the new challenge.  We had a good team BBQ on Sunday the 17th that it was just good to share some time with each other not on the court.  

PFSN: You all have put in a lot of hard work so far, what’ve been some things you’ve been working on that we should be looking out for?

CM: We are definitely changing the style here at Knox.  Look for the ball to be shared a lot on offense.  We are looking to play uptempo and push in transition while also sharing the ball and not having one consistent scorer each game.  Defensively we have a whole new strategy that involves multiple defensive looks.

PFSN:Who are your captains/leaders on the team? What have you seen in them that made you select them to be captains?

CM: Our captains are Saxon Alvarez (Jr. El Paso, TX), Kesha Jackson (Jr. Decatur, IL), Catessa Duran (Sr. Albuquerque, NM) and they do a great job of delivering my message.  They definitely know how to work and deal with me as a coach and they can communicate that with their teammates sometimes better than when I say it.

PFSN: Some may not know you played guard for the Fighting Illini and Youngstown State Penguins. Give us a highlights from your time as a D1 athlete and how does that experience translate to coaching at Knox?

CM:Competitive Drive.  I strived to be the best in High School which got me to where I was as a player.  It didn’t come easy so there’s a grit and hard work factor.  I’m an undersized shooting guard at best at Illinois but I spent a lot of time in the gym working on my craft to make up for my disadvantages.  The same goes for coaching.  I haven’t always had an easy path but I’ve had a path of hard work and loyalty for my boss and it has worked out well.

PFSN: Are there any games on our schedule that you’re looking forward to the most?

CM: Any game right now.  I’m tired of watching us compete against each other.  I think i speak for the whole team when I say that we are excited to face an opponent tonight.

Grit and teamwork. Two words that Coach Mowen both lives by and stresses in her coaching style. With the season starting tonight we are looking forward to seeing how this team embodies this spirit and moves the ball around the court and through the hoop.

Let’s take a look at the five hard hitting questions being asked today that only PFSN is asking:

PFSN: Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Coach Mowen: No. A hotdog is not a sandwich. (*PFSN comment: A meat in an open faced bun. Looks like a sandwich to us….)

PFSN: Where is your favorite local (or Galesburg adjacent) place to grab a bite to eat?

CM: Ironspike, but if I’m looking for cost-effective: Sidetrax

PFSN: What is your Starbucks order?

CM: Right now my order is a grande chestnut praline latte.  I love the holiday season. (*PFSN comment: Coach Mowen has an office in Memorial Gym…wink wink nudge nudge)

PFSN: If you had to combine two animals to make one new animals, which would you choose?

CM: no comment.

PFSN: Would you rather fight 100 duck sized horses or 1 horse sized duck?

CM: Which weapon do I get first?  But most likely 100 duck sized horses (*PFSN comment: this is the correct answer for all you ‘1 horse sized duck’-ers our there)

As you can tell, we pull no punches at PFSN because you, the loyal fans of the Knox College Prairie Fire, deserve nothing but the best. And speaking of the best, let’s make sure to put on our purple and gold for the Women’s basketball team tonight as they play at Augie. Tip off is slated for 7pm and you can catch the live stream here. We are proud of the hardworking these women have put into the offseason and now we look forward to all the ass they will be kicking. #FireUp

‘Twas the night before game day, When all through the gym, not an athlete was shooting—no shots through the rim.

The jerseys were placed in their dorm rooms with care, with prayers that they don’t see that Coach Mowen glare.

The besties were nestled all snug in their beds as visions of victory danced in their heads.

They travel to Augie to play their first game, as loudly Coach Mowen calls out each name.

From the end of the bench there arose a great clatter, and Jodi’s ears perked up to hear what’s the matter.

Away down the court she flew like a flash, as she tore past the defense and offered a pass.

And before my eyes who quickly appears? Shooting and scoring, it’s Catessa! And the bench loudly cheers!

With a quick fake left, and a cross to the right, baskets were falling all through the night.

More rapid than eagles, the adjustments came, with our dear Coach Mowen yelling all game.

“Post up, get open!” The players did hear, as all the while the end drew near.

As moments pass by from minutes to seconds, the sweet sound of winning hastily beckons.

On baited breath, there comes a last whistle, as a win is given to Knox—it’s official!

The prayers have been prayed, and the practices done, let us say tomorrow “our besties have won”

There is a lot I could write about this game. The ✨trash✨ refs, the unnecessary yellow on Head Coach Taylor, etc. but I instead I want to focus on what this team means to me as a fan. The besties out played and outshot Beloit to lose in PKs 3-0. Again, there are details that I could fill in, but I’d rather talk about what this team means to me as a fan.

On September 14th, I sat at the Knox College soccer pitch to watch the North Park Vikings play the Knox college mens team. Unbeknownst to me, I ended up sitting directly next to the women’s soccer team, who not only laughed at how little I knew about soccer, but heckled right back with me. From that moment I knew I had found my team. These women were kind, friendly, and had the presence of mind to not laugh (too much) at the *only* North Park fan in the stands, but also to teach how soccer is played, the rules, and also shared that there are more traps than just the butt trap. That’s the kind of women we have on our team: competitive and selfless. It’s kind of fun walking up to the men’s game and having people say hey and fist bump and what not. It’s nice to be included in some things, even though I’m old. I’ve had so much fun making up fun nicknames for each person, or trying to think of fun ways to describe how you score goals (“doin hot girl shit” “hold my Thai noodles” etc.) All of the things heard from the stands (“pop pop pop it in!” “Oh shit. My bad” “check her cleat for boogers after that high kick”) or always yelling for the men to butt trap the ball and then I had the perfect opportunity but ended up hitting one in the head after it bounced off my pancake ass (sorry.) This team makes it easy to be a fan and is such a blast to be around.

It’s funny really that the dream of this blog and the super fandom came from a moment in the stands as an outsider and it’s crazy how quick the tables were flipped and the team made me feel welcomed. What started out as me trying to find one article of purple clothing in the whole damn town of Galesburg on a weeknight, turned into a stupid purple and black hat and manifested into the Prairie Fire Sports Network—a blog unofficially dedicated to the Knox College Athletic Department and having fun covering sports. A big thanks to Taylor and Annie for thinking this is just as much fun as I do and for letting me have fun with the team. Thanks to my anonymous source, Colleen, for being the eyes and ears behind the scene. Thanks to Erica for filling me in on those crappy live streams when I couldn’t make out the numbers. Thanks to Lex and Knox Athletics for not hitting me with a Cease and Desist for using the Prairie Fire name. Probably more to thank, but it’s not all about them; this ones for the besties.

I say it at the end of every blog post, but I really am proud of this team. The first team that I have chosen to Stan, and the first team that has made me proud to be a member of the Knox Community. Well done on a great season. For the seniors who played their last game, I am so very proud of you and all you have accomplished on the pitch. The hard work you put in out there is transferable to anything you put your mind to inside or outside the class. You’re going to do big things one day, and I’m here for it. To the first years, sophs., and juniors: I am so proud of you and the things you did on the pitch. The leadership skills you gained, the knowledge for the game, and the amount of fun you had this season is only more fuel for the next year. You all crushed it and I am proud of you all. I mean it.

xoxo,
Gossip Girl

Warmly,
Superfan Pastor Trav

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

It’s a cold evening in Jacksonville, Illinois (the Weather Puppy app says 50• 🥶🥶) as our besties traveled to Illinois College. The atmosphere in my living room as my dog Maggie and I watched was full of anticipation as the Knox College Prairie Fire look to go undefeated in Conference play this season.

The first period had back and forths and running about. There were passes, there were fouls, but two things stood out: goals and saves. Goal keeper Carina “too cool” Escobar had ice in her veins as she stopped 4 shots in goal by the home team. All in all, the defense of our Prairie Fire Friends was solid giving few opportunities for any sort of offensive attack. When asked about her strategy going into the game, former goal keeper (?) turned assistant coach Annie Gerdes had this to say: “a solid team effort.” And as professional super fans, the besties executed the plan ✨flawlessly✨. With mere seconds left in the first half, off of a chef’s kiss of an assist by bestie Kasey Snyder, Lydia “there’s no chance I don’t score” Mitchell crushes one right into the nylon nets. At the end of the first, it’s: Besties 1 Resties 0

A blood pressure raising situation occurred near the 30’ mark as the Illinois College corner was headed towards Bestie Carina, but with cat like reflexes she saves it from going in. On a rebound, the Illinois college women try a quick chip but thanks to solid teamwork, it is easily cleared by our defensive team. My heart has not stopped racing.

On offense, Siya Kasat (Jr. Pune, India) was a commanding force to be reckoned with. With solid footwork and great field vision she was able to direct traffic and stretch the field setting our offense up for solid opportunities to do their best. While Bestie Siya was commanding the wing, the middle of the field was dominated by Emily McParland (Sr. Westminster, CO) and Brianna Dietz (JR, Schaumburg, IL). Each and every time the IC women came to midfield, Emily and Brianna had the look in their eyes that said “that’s a nice ball, it’s be a shame if someone….stole it.” There was no room for an Illinois College attack through the middle because these besties were ruthless. A force to be reckoned with, the former Albion Hurricane Ainara Rivera (FY. Houston, Texas) everything you want out of a M/D: pestering the IC mids, hot footed with solid passes, and quick to fall back on defense when needed.

At full time, the score was Besties 1 Resties 0. With the blow of a whistle, the Knox College Prairie Fire finish conference play undefeated. It’ll be a cold night for the Lady Blue of Illinois College, but as for the besties of Knox College? They’re on Prairie Fire heading into a 10 day break before the Midwest Conference Tournament. As always, we are PFSN are very proud of the way our besties played tonight and cannot wait for tournament time.

Watching from the warmth of my home is stressful, but I knew my women would pull off a win!

Erica Witkowski, Athletic Trainer

My cheeks may have been frozen to the metal bleachers today, but I can assure you the besties came out on (prairie) fire. Shot after shot, the first half was dominated by the besties and their ruthless offensive attack. As if she had somewhere to be, Senior Lydia Mitchell, pushes the ball right past the 6’0” tall goal keep from Lake Forrest. It was quite a sight to see. And so we entered into the end of the first half up 1-0 thanks to shut down defense and pure grit.

The second half, was a sight to see. Lake forest came out hot, and that’s about all I’ll write about them. They scored, but it wasn’t as cool as you’d think. It was actually a bit rude of them to do that, and in the words of basketball legend Michael Jordan, the besties “took that personally.”

Our women got aggressive. With the Midwest Conference title on the line, the gal from Graz, Louise, set the tempo and played tough ball even leading the opposing fans to say, “she’s tough.” That type of leadership must be contagious because our friend Autumn decided she wanted to join in on the action. Playing the wing and running back and forth, setting up deep runs and shutting down the foresters offensive attacks, we end regulation tied 1-1.

It’s unfair how tall the other goalie is

Anonymous knox college fan

OT 1 was exciting because it meant we got to watch more soccerball. Besides passing and kicking and using our noggins, the real star of OT was the father of our bestie Michaela Thawley who was the heckler of the game. Missed call after missed cal you could hear loud and proud “NOPE SIR THAT WAS WRONG.” On every corner kick you could hear “pop pop pop it in!” It really made this super duper fan proud. We end OT1 tied.

Here we go. OT 2. Gotta push up. Gotta get tough and keep our heads on a swivel. And that we did. It was back and forth for 8:30 minutes, and in the last 1:30, the besties said “okay this is lame. Let’s win this B.” Louise took a nice through ball with only the goal keeper to stop her. ‘Would the goalie drop it like she had multiple times in the first half?’ ‘Would Louise get cheeky and chip it over her?’ These thoughts ran through my mind. The ball inching closer to the net, there was an unfortunate collision between our bestie and the goalkeeper. Are PKs in our future? A tie would be annoying. As fate would have it, the ball bounced out of the keepers hands in right onto the foot of one of our besties who lays it into the net with 0:58 left in OT2!

They did it. Midwest conference champions. There was no doubt in my mind that they would do it. We at PFSN are so very proud of the hard work these women have put into the season of late and we know that it’s only the start as they begin to focus on tourney time.

That was a good team effort.

Assistant Athletic Director Lexie Vernon