Johns Hopkins University Athletics women’s soccer goalie Ella Kruntchev was named the Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 15, 2026, after Johns Hopkins went 1-0-2 and allowed one goal across three games. It marked the first Centennial Conference honor of Kruntchev’s career.
Kruntchev made five saves in a 0-0 tie at fifth-ranked Messiah, recorded three saves in a 1-1 tie at Denison and added two saves in a 3-0 win at Kenyon. She finished the week with a 0.33 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
Ella Kruntchev Leads Johns Hopkins Women’s Soccer Defense
Johns Hopkins allowed one goal during the three-game stretch, while Kruntchev posted two shutouts. Her five saves against Messiah helped preserve the scoreless tie, and she followed with three saves against Denison before Johns Hopkins completed the week with a shutout win at Kenyon.
Kruntchev had played all 450 minutes in goal for Johns Hopkins during the season at the time of the announcement. She entered the announcement with a 0.40 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage, ranking second in the Centennial Conference in goals-against average and third in save percentage. Her three season shutouts were tied for the conference lead.
Johns Hopkins Women’s Soccer Scheduled to Host Penn State Harrisburg
Johns Hopkins held a 3-0-2 record when the award was announced. The Blue Jays were scheduled to host Penn State Harrisburg at Homewood Field on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Kruntchev’s first Centennial Conference weekly honor recognizes a three-game stretch in which she allowed one goal and posted two shutouts. Her weekly .909 save percentage helped Johns Hopkins remain unbeaten at 3-0-2 entering its scheduled match against Penn State Harrisburg.
Source: Original report
