The back and forth action that held sway at the DeCarlo Varsity Center Wednesday night would ultimately fall in favor of the visiting University of Mount Union, as John Carroll's string of rallies ran dry in a 69-66 loss in an Ohio Athletic Conference match-up.

The host Blue Streaks held just one lead all night, and it was the first basket of the game. Beyond that, JCU chased the Purple Raiders all night -- at one point catching them but never overtaking them.

In the second period, John Carroll seemed in dire straits, trailing in the contest 32-18 at the 6:09 mark. However, a tremendous comeback capped by a Nicole Heffington three ball with 53 seconds left cut Mount Union's lead to 36-33. 

John Carroll began the second half down five points, but when Dani Carloson buried a mid range jumper at the 6:20 mark, the game was tied at 45-45. 

The Blue Streaks had three possessions with a chance to take the lead back but two turnovers and a missed three-pointer turned out to be missed opportunities. The Purple Raiders held on for a 54-51 advantage through three quarters.

Neither team could score in the opening four minutes of the fourth period, but once the lid was removed, the points poured in. More poured in from the purple team, however, and Casey morrisette's three-pointer at the 2:27 mark gave the visitors a 67-59 edge. 

JCU had one last rally to uncork. After a jumper by Kahrin Spear and a three by Stephanie Labas on back-to-back possessions, Mount Union's lead was cut to 67-64 with 1:41, and the Blue Streaks had seemingly gained significant momentum.
 
The two teams traded stops and then the Purple Raiders fouled Chelbi Graham and sent her to the line to shoot two free throws with 43 seconds to play.  Graham split the pair, which cut the Purple Raider lead to two at 67-65.
 
Mount Union had a chance to push their lead to a two-possession situation after a foul sent Jamie Sanborn to the line for two free throws. However, she missed both and the Blue Streaks forced a jump ball, which gave the home team, much to the delight of the home crowd, possession with 27 seconds remaining.
 
The Blue Streaks pushed the ball down the floor and Chebi Graham was fouled with 11.6 seconds to go and was sent to the line for two free throws. Graham once again split the pair to cut the margin to one at 67-66
 
John Carroll was forced to foul the Purple Raiders, and Rachel Tinkey calmly knocked down both free throws to give the Raiders a 69-66 lead with ten ticks left.

The Blue Streaks needed a three to tie, but were unable to get a shot off in the final seconds as a steal by Elena Rauhe helped the Purple Raiders escape with a nail-biting win.
 
Graham paced John Carroll (2-4, 0-2 OAC) with a career high 21 points, while bringing down eight rebounds, which topped the team in both categories. Also notching career highs for the Blue Streaks were Stephanie Labas with 12 points and Abby Adler with 10. Heffington also scored 13 points and seven rebounds.

Renee DeFord posted a double double of ten points and a team-high ten rebounds to lead Mount Union (3-4, 1-1 OAC)
 
The Blue Streaks will take on 24th-ranked Marietta Pioneers on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center.