Kristin Russell Named Co-ECAC Defensive Player Of The Week Sophomore helped Red Storm extend unbeate

QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John's women's soccer goalkeeper Kristin Russell was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Co-Defensive Player of the Week, sharing honors with Yale goalkeeper Ayana Sumiyasu.

Russell led the Red Storm to its third win in program history with the 1-0 shutout win over then No. 16/25 UConn on Thursday. Russell made seven saves on 17 shots faced, and moved into sole possession of fourth place in the Red Storm record books with her 15th-career shutout.

On Sunday against Providence, she held her team in the game after allowing an early goal, making 11 saves on 22 shots faced as the teams battled to a 1-1 double-overtime tie. On the week, the sophomore made 18 saves on 39 shots faced.

With the 1-0-1 record on the week and an 8-1-1, 2-0-1 BIG EAST slate on the year, Russell helped lead the Red Storm to its highest ranking in history, climbing to No. 12 in the Soccer America Top 25 Poll and No. 17 in the NSCAA Top 25 Poll.

The Red Storm opens a two-game homestand when it hosts Louisville on Friday at 7 p.m. and Cincinnati on Sunday at 1 p.m. Friday's contest has been designated as Alumnae Night, where the 1994 BIG EAST Championship team will be honored at halftime.