This post was written by Hatchet reporter Nora Princiotti.

Sophomore goalkeeper Connor Dillon was named the College Water Polo Association’s Defensive Player of the Week on Thursday, his second time receiving the award this season.

Dillon was key in the Colonial’s 13-11 victory over then-No. 20 Johns Hopkins on Saturday, recording eight saves and contributing to the Colonials’ pivotal transition game with an assist.

The Los Gatos, Ca. native boasts a 9.54 goals against average through the first 11 games of the season, contributing to a defensive resurgence that now has the Colonials ranked No.17 nationwide, up two spots from their ranking last week. It is the highest ranking for GW since it sat in that slot in the final poll of the 2007 season.

Head coach Scott Reed has emphasized an improvement on defense as a key goal for the season.

Dillon began the season on the right foot, winning the Defensive Player of the Week award after the first week of play this season – the first of his career. His biggest challenge, though, may come this week as the Colonials begin a five game West Coast swing.