Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
JCU WBB seniors
The Blue Streaks excelled in the third quarter but couldn't sneak past the Pios late (photo by Logan Potosky).
75
Winner Marietta MAR 15-6,10-4 OAC
66
John Carroll JCU 11-9,6-7 OAC
Winner
Marietta MAR
15-6,10-4 OAC
75
Final
66
John Carroll JCU
11-9,6-7 OAC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Marietta MAR 22 18 17 18 75
John Carroll JCU 17 11 23 15 66

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | Leah Harrigan, Staff Writer

Women's Basketball Drops to Marietta on Senior & Alumnae Day

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS — Emotions were high in the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center today, as John Carroll Women's Basketball highlighted the four-year tenures of Jaylen Hoffmann and Kaelyn Underwood, plus the contributions of graduate student Christina Passerell. 

All three players have contributed a significant amount of talent, leadership, and genuine character throughout their careers. In addition, John Carroll hosted Alumnae Night, honoring the legacy of many fine Blue Streaks in attendance. 

But, despite a valiant effort, the Blue Streaks ultimately fell to the Marietta Pioneers, 75-66. 

In the opening quarter, it was clear that the Blue Streaks were eager to protect their home court. John Carroll maintained a fearless attitude with their trips into crowded lanes of traffic that ultimately led to chances at the free throw line. The Blue Streaks went 8-for-8 from the free throw line to start.

But, the Pioneers countered on the other side of the court, with 14 of their first-quarter points coming from players who entered the game from the bench. The dynamic depth of their roster created a consistent intensity that the Blue Streaks were forced to navigate.

As the first quarter came to a close, the final swing of momentum belonged to Marietta with a buzzer-beating three pointer from Olivia Gribble, so the Pioneers held a 22-17 lead after one. 

John Carroll started the second bout of play with a handful of pivotal deflections from Jaylen Hoffmann. The senior guard worked to cut off passing lanes, ending in quick changes of possession in favor of the Blue Streaks.

Ava Ryncarz worked to counter the strides of Marietta by sinking a deep 3-pointer halfway into the second quarter. 

Nonetheless, the Pioneers kept firing, closing the half with a 40-28 lead.

In the locker room, it was obvious that the Blue Streaks reframed their game plan. Sticking to fundamentals, making smart decisions, and locking down on defense were certainly the priority as the third quarter began to unfold.

Halle Landies put the deficit within ten with a picture-perfect 3-pointer at the beginning of the third. Hoffman continued the trend with a swift jump shot to put John Carroll within seven.

The momentum swung with John Carroll and it showed.

A series of shot clock violations by Marietta put the ball in the hands of John Carroll for more offensive opportunities. Ryncarz and Landies continued to fire from three, cracking away at the deficit. Maddie Pietrowski solidified the energy with a creative jumper right at the buzzer. Going into the fourth, triumph was not within reach, as JCU trailed just 57-51. 

Throughout the final quarter of play, both teams traded points and tightened up on defense.

Ryncarz hit her fourth 3-pointer of the evening, followed by a clutch drive and trip to the line from Pietrwoski. The duo helped put the score at an attainable 60-58.

But, the Pioneers kept their foot on the gas. A collection of 3-pointers and seamless transition buckets made it difficult for John Carroll to crawl back.

A commendable second-half comeback for the Blue Streaks resulted in an unfortunate loss, but the sportsmanship, class, and determination of John Carroll did not go unnoticed.

John Carroll was led by Ryncarz with 14 points, while Hoffmann (11) and Pietrowski (10) also finished in double digits. Pietrowski added 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. 

The Blue Streaks look to get back in the win column on Wednesday with an out-of-town matchup against Otterbein University. Tip-off is set for 7 pm.
Print Friendly Version

Sponsors