The reigning Ohio Athletic Conference champions showed their dominance as John Carroll struck four times to take down Wilmington College, 4-2, in the Ohio Athletic Conference opener for both schools Saturday evening in University Heights, Ohio.

Tristan Lyles, a senior defender, had never recorded a goal in any of his previous 64 matches as a Blue Streak.

In match 65, he changed that legacy. 

John Carroll found multiple opportunities early in the contest attempting three corner kicks in the first 20 minutes of play.

But it took until the 22nd minute to cash in. On the fourth corner attempt, Brian Lutz's kick clanged off the post and the ball was found by Tristan Lyles, who drilled the ball in the back of the net, giving JCU a 1-0 lead.

With the first half ticking down Jesse Marinaro subbed out and William Grubbs checked in for the senior. Grubbs made an impact early, assisting on a Thomas Korsa goal.

In the first half John Carroll outshot the Fightin' Quaker 7-5. John Carroll also had the advantage on the set pieces, taking seven corner kicks compared to Wilmington's one.

The second half started off hot, as Marinaro got pulled down in the box forcing a JCU penalty kick. Marinaro drilled the penalty kick giving the Blue and Gold a 3-0 lead.

Wilmington would not go down without a fight, responding with two consecutive goals (one in the 53rd minute, the other in the 80th), making the score 3-2.

John Carroll responded by turning its switch back to full throttle, and got a big insurance goal in the 85th minute as Dalton Browsky scored off of a Hayden Parente corner kick.

The Blue Streaks will continue conference play next Tuesday, as they travel to Tiffin, Ohio, to take on Heidelberg University. Start time is set for 4 p.m.