Balanced scoring and stern defense powered the John Carroll Women’s basketball team (14–5, 10–2 OAC) to a dominant win over conference rival Marietta (11–8, 6–6 OAC).

Solid play sparked the Blue Streaks early on, as senior guard Shmoo Pryor and senior Karhin Spear led John Carroll to an early 16–7 lead, with the duo combining for 13 of those points and a pair of threes. From that point on the Pioneers recaptured some momentum to tie the game at 20 at the end of the first quarter.

As both teams continued to go back and forth to begin the second quarter, strong defense allowed the Blue Streaks to mount a lead.

John Carroll went on to record five steals and three blocks while forcing eight turnovers in the second quarter to head into half time with a 39–30 lead over Marietta.

Sophomore forwards Nicole Heffington and Abby Adler led the scoring in the second quarter to go into the half with nine and seven points respectively. Shay Lett contributed 11 first-half points for the Pioneers.

Coming out of the break of the game, the second half proved similar as both teams traded baskets. However, the Blue Streaks began the second half with a nine-point lead.

Marietta was able to make halftime adjustments to improve their 10-point second quarter, responding with a 19-point third quarter. John Carroll answered, to hold a 60–49 lead going into the final period.

Spear came to life in the third, scoring nine points for the Blue Streaks while junior forward Alexis Enochs provided eight points for the Pioneers.

John Carroll went on to open the fourth quarter with an 18–6 run and never looked back. The Blue Streaks finished the game outscoring Marietta 20–10 in the final period. Junior guard Dani Carlson showcased her “sixth-(wo)man” abilities by netting two threes in the fourth and scoring 11 second-half points.

Six Blue Streaks reached double figures and sophomore forward Heffington led the way with 16 points. Senior guard Spear added 14 points and four assists, and freshman forward Olivia Nagy also continued her strong rookie campaign by contributing a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) to go along with an impressive five blocks. For the Pioneers, senior guard Lett provided some excitement, scoring 14 points while draining four three-pointers.

The Blue Streaks made 31–69 field goals (44.9 percent) while holding Marietta to just 21–54 field goals (38.9 percent). Defense proved valuable for John Carroll, forcing 21 turnovers and converting those into 20 points on the other end.

John Carroll will remain at home for their next matchup, against Heidelberg on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The Blue Streaks currently hold a two-game lead in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) standings.