Entering the final week of the regular season, the John Carroll women's soccer team needs two wins and some help to qualify for the conference tournament for the ninth consecutive year.

On Tuesday night, it took a late defensive effort to keep their hopes alive.

Bailey Fischer drilled two first-half goals as the Blue Streaks held off Mount Union, 4-3, in University Heights.

"We knew this was do or die," said Fischer after the game. "This was really big to keep us alive in the OAC, we know what we have to do Saturday to clinch a spot."

The Canfield, Ohio native gave JCU early momentum, scoring two goals in the first 20 minutes.

Her first goal came in the third minute, as she took the ball up the right side and finished with a shot into the left corner.

In the 20th minute, Fischer took a ball past a defender on the left side of the box before tucking her second goal inside the right post. She now has six goals on the season.

Nine minutes later, Katie O'Donnell intercepted a punched ball by Mount keeper Paige Freel and gave the Blue Streaks a 3-0 halftime lead.

Three minutes into the second half, Preston Mendel cashed in a rebound off a shot by O'Donnell. Her fourth goal of the campaign seemingly gave JCU an insurmountable lead.

The Purple Raiders then mounted an improbable rally. Thirteen seconds after Mendel's goal, Mount Union's Nicole Lanese put her team on the board by depositing a shot in the low right corner. In the 60th minute, Taylor Lanese took a loose ball from Rhianna Guarnera's arms and scored in the empty net.

Mount Union closed the score further when Kelsey Malenic's free kick in the 72nd minute found the net.

Adding an extra defender late spurred JCU to hold strong and finish off the victory.

JCU outshot the Purple Raiders, 27-16, in the contest. The Blue Streaks peppered the Mount Union keepers, recording 16 shots on goal.

John Carroll improves to 5-11-2 overall, and 3-4-1 in the OAC. Mount Union falls to 8-9 and 4-4 in conference play. A win on Senior Day this Saturday against Muskingum is vital to the team's playoff hopes.

"Building off tonight's victory is important," said head coach Michael Marich. "As well as doing it for our seniors who have been through all the ups and downs of this schedule."

"They've been put to the test. The girls needed it tonight, and they found a way to get it."