Box Score

It was a bittersweet goodbye Saturday at the DeCarlo Varsity Center for a pair of John Carroll seniors, but as goodbyes go, it was definitely more sweet than bitter.

For a day that began with the celebration of the careers of seniors Emilee Ritchee and Emily Day, the Blue Streaks provided a satisfactory send off with a convincing 93-63 victory over the visiting Marietta Pioneers.

The last time the Streaks had scored over 90 points was at Heidelberg on February 3, 2011, and it was the highest home point total since JCU dropped 102 against these same Pioneers on January 23, 2010.

John Carroll finished the regular season in sole possession of seventh place in the Ohio Athletic Conference by winning two crucial games in a row in the final week, thus keeping alive a streak of never missing the OAC playoffs since joining the league in 1989-90.

Coming out strong in the first half, John Carroll was blistering from beyond the arc,  draining eight of its first 12 3-point shots. For a team that averages 59.3 points per game, the Blue Streaks surprised even themselves by taking a commanding 50-27 lead at the half.

"It felt good to hit my shots early in the game," said Ritchie, who scored 14 of her 19 points in the first half. "It was good to enjoy ourselves and get the win for the last home game."

In the hours leading up to the game, John Carroll head coach Kristie Maravalli was hoping for a drama-less end to the game.

She got her wish in what became JCU's first win by double digits this season.

With 3:30 to go in the game, Day and Ritchee were allowed a final bow, greeted by hugs from teammates and coaches.

 “I was happy for them to have a senior day like that,” said Maravalli. “Believe me, not everyone gets to walk off the court in the last home game of their collegiate careers with a 30-point lead. Considering some of the rough sports we have hit this year, it was just a great way to end the regular season.”

Sophomore Missy Spahar had a career-high of 26 points, while Marietta's Aleisha Guiler led her team with 16.

John Carroll finished its regular season game with a record of 6-12 in the OAC and 9-15 overall. Marietta fell to the number eight spot in the OAC, ending up with a mark of 5-13 in league play and 10-15 overall.

As the seventh seed in the upcoming tournament, JCU will travel to Wilmington College to start off the OAC tournament. The record this season between the two teams stands 1-1, each winning on their own home floor – and each by three points.

"I look forward to playing Wilmington on Monday... all we have to do is stay focused,” said Ritchie. “Last year, we were in the same position at the number seven spot so hopefully it will bring us good luck.”