As moral victories go, forcing a fourth game after falling behind 2-0 to perennial power Ohio Northern on its home floor is a good one.

As for actual victories, that will remain a prize to acquire.

Ohio Northern staved off John Carroll's comeback bid Friday night in Ada, as the Blue Streaks fell by a 25-16, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17 count.

Box Score

To John Carroll's credit, its lack of historical success against Ohio Northern did not seem to hinder its initial efforts. The Streaks surged ahead behind four early kills by Kerry Fox to take an 8-2 lead. JCU still held a lead at 13-11 before the Polar Bears roared to the finish of game one by scoring 14 of the last 17 points.

Game two also featured a 13-11 John Carroll lead, but a late 7-0 run by Ohio Northern broke a 17-17 tie.

JCU showed great resiliency in game three. Again tied late at 18-18, the Blue Streaks used a quick 4-0 run to pull away and force a fourth game. It was the first time since 2007 that John Carroll had extended the Polar Bears beyond three games.

The joy was short lived, as Ohio Northern rushed out to a 5-1 lead and cruised to an eight-point win to claim the match.

Fox led the way with 12 kills for John Carroll, which fell to 15-12 overall and 3-4 (5th) in the Ohio Athletic Conference.