John Carroll had reached a point where, over a course of 75 minutes against Mount Union, its patience was being severely tested. Over that span of time, the Blue Streaks had offered 14 shots but had just no goals to show for the effort.

Adding in the Blue Streaks most recent outing -- a 95-minute effort Saturday where 25 shots had been taken and only goal came from the barrage -- and patience was indeed wearing thin for the Blue & Gold.

As it often does, patience proved virtuous. In the 77th minute, Jesse Marinaro finished off a Kevin Pachuta corner for the only goal of the match as JCU escaped Alliance with a 1-0 win.

The victory secured John Carroll its conference record 23rd OAC Tournament berth (in the 24-year history of the postseason event) and its conference record 17th consecutive playoff appearance (dating back to 1999).

John Carroll had the edge this evening in shots (16-4), shots on goal (6-1) and corner kicks (7-2), but could not break through until the 76:05 mark. 

Liam McIntosh made one save as the JCU defense completed its fifth shutout of the season and its third in the last five games. 

JCU wraps up the regular season Saturday afternoon in New Concord against Muskingum University. Game time is 4:00 pm