BALTIMORE, MD – Top-seeded and 15^th-ranked Johns Hopkins beat Muhlenberg, 5-3, in a penalty kick shootout to win its second straight and 11^th overall Centennial Conference Championship. The Blue Jays are now 12-3-4 overall as they earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Hopkins wins back-to-back Centennial Conference titles for the first time since 2006-07 and just the second time in program history. The Blue Jays' 11 titles are the most in conference history. This was the third straight championship meeting between Hopkins and Muhlenberg and fourth all-time. This was also the fifth time in the last six meetings between the two that ended in a tie.
 
The Blue Jays nearly took the lead in the 32^nd minute with a shot by freshman Rishi Pathak that beat Mules' goalie Ben Mulford. But Trevor Mikuta was there to clear it off the line and keep the teams even.
 
Junior Will Andrus then broke the stalemate in the 47^th minute with his first goal of the season and just the second of his career. Senior Jonathan Cui one-timed a pass from classmate Ian Whamond deep into the Muhlenberg box. Graduate student Aidan Dunphy ran onto the pass and crossed it in front of the goal, where Andrus snuck a right-footed shot inside the back post.
 
Muhlenberg had a good look at the equalizer in the 79^th minute with a shot from the top of the box by Gabe Blikshteyn, but sophomore Simon Turner tipped it over the crossbar. The Mules did pull level less than six minutes later. Muhlenberg drew a free kick between the box and the right sideline. Mack Metcalf sent the kick to the far side of the box, where it was headed by Sim Dorsey and Elie Khalil before Sam Roberts poked it inside the left post.
 
The teams battled through two overtimes, but this one was destined for a shootout. The Blue Jays went five-for-five on their shots, with Dunphy securing the title with the fifth and final shot and was named the tournament MVP. Graduate student goalie Loucas Costeas came off the bench and made a save on the Mules first shooter.
 
Hopkins finished with a 14-10 advantage in shots while corners were even at two apiece. Turner made four saves through regulation and overtime to earn the tie. Mulford also finished with four saves, in addition to the team save by Mikuta.
 
The NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced on Monday, November 11 at 1:30 pm on NCAA.com.