One of the hottest teams in the region was in search of its first 2-0 conference start since 2002 and its first win over Otterbein since 2001.

A seven-game unbeaten streak was snapped for the John Carroll University women's soccer team on a rainy evening at Don Shula Stadium. John Carroll fell short to the Otterbein Cardinals 3-1 on Tuesday night.

It was a slow start for the home squad. The Blue Streaks did not have their first scoring chance in the first half until 17 minutes remained in the opening half. 

In the meantime, Otterbein -- which entered the night riding a four-match winning streak -- was attacking from the get go. Senior Melinda Stemen opened the scoring for Otterbein with a goal assisted by senior Alex Ancona in the 19th minute.

JCU was outshot by their opposition, 14-4, in the opening half with only one shot on goal.

The Blue Streaks showed sparks of life in the second half as sophomore Preston Mendel led the charge with her first goal of the season in the 67th minute of the game. Sophomore Andrea Regrut was credited with her third assist of the year on the play as she sailed a free kick into the box and Mendel headed it home.

A late strike by the Cardinals dimmed the Blue Streaks efforts as junior Jillian Strimbu and sophomore Madison Burchfield both scored goals.  Strimbu followed her own shot attempt to put the visitors ahead 2-1, then Burchfield finished a 2-on-1 breakeway to ice the contest in the 78th minute.

Strimbu is now second in the OAC with seven goals on the year and has played a vital role in what is now a five-game winning streak for the Cardinals 

Mendel and senior Kay Akerly contributed four of the 11 total shots for the Blue Streaks. Senior goalkeeper Haley McDonald added 10 saves to give her a total of 96 on the year. McDonald entered the week ranked 42nd in the nation in total saves.

John Carroll is now 7-3-1 on the year with a conference record of 1-1. The Blue Streaks will travel to Wilmington on Saturday for a 7 p.m. match.