On an unseasonably warm day in University Heights, Ohio, a cross-country lacrosse battle took place.

This battle was led by defensive efforts early, then back-and-forth scores late from both squads. For the John Carroll University Blue Streaks, they were able to celebrate, as JCU topped the visiting Berry College Vikings, 7-6, at Wasmer Field at Don Shula Stadium.

With the win, the Blue Streaks advance to 2-2, while Berry College drops to 4-4.

Berry College is currently in the middle of five game road trip, that has or will have games held in Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, and their home state of Georgia.

JCU outshot Berry, 37-23, and was led by the duo of Dakota Thomas and Logan Calhoun, each of whom finished the afternoon with two goals.

John Carroll jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead less than three minutes into the game, off of the hot hands of junior midfielder Keegan Flinter. A quick response by Berry ensued four minutes later, then again before then end of the period. Senior midfielder Christian Akers scored two goals for the Vikings to tie the game at two scores apiece.

Berry struck again early in the period, but was answered by a Blue Streaks goal by sophomore RP Whitty, bringing the halftime score to 3-3.

Dakota Thomas found the back of the net to break the halftime tie 5:48 into the second half, before a retaliation tally by another Viking, freshman Justin Westbrook. Westbrook's goal came at the 5:34 mark in the third period, but was then followed by another Thomas goal with 1:24 remaining. JCU claimed a 5-4 lead, at the intermission of the second half.

Junior midfielder Logan Calhoun picked up his second goal of the afternoon for the Blue Streaks, 6:53 into the final period, following a Michael Hubert goal earlier in the quarter.

The Vikings tagged up two goals towards the end of the contest before the final whistle was blown, drawing the 7-6 final score.

Sophomore goalkeeper Carl Roman finished with nine saves for JCU, while his counterpart, senior Nick Voso, had 14 stops for the Vikings.

The Blue Streaks will be back in action next Wednesday, March 13, as JCU takes on the Saint Vincent College Bearcats. The match will take place in University Heights, with game time set for 4:00 p.m.