Catawba Soccer Stars Earn Weekly Conference Honors
Alex Payton and Guilherme Quintas are recognized after leading Catawba College to a 2-1 victory over Anderson.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Soccer
The South Atlantic Conference has named Catawba College players Alex Payton and Guilherme Quintas as the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week. The honors follow a 2-1 victory against Anderson that keeps the team undefeated.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the strong individual performances driving Catawba College to a number one regional ranking in the NCAA Division II Super-Region 2 NPI. The team remains a dominant force in the conference with an unbeaten record.
Alex Payton contributed three points in the recent win and has totaled six goals in 11 matches, while Guilherme Quintas anchored a defense that limited Anderson to just two shots on goal.
The players
Alex Payton
He is a standout soccer player for Catawba College who currently holds six goals for the season.
Guilherme Quintas
He is a defensive player for Catawba College who played the full 90 minutes in the team's most recent win.
Catawba College
This educational institution fields competitive collegiate athletic teams currently ranked first in the NCAA Division II Super-Region 2.
The details
Payton scored in the 55th minute and assisted the winning goal in the 81st minute of the match. Meanwhile, Quintas played all 90 minutes to secure the win, contributing to the team holding a 10-0-2 overall record.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Players of the Week awards and regional rankings are announced.
October 21, 2026: Catawba is scheduled to play Lincoln Memorial.
Season Trajectory
The top regional ranking establishes Catawba as a primary contender in the NCAA Division II Super-Region 2 race. This consistency maintains their momentum toward a favorable postseason placement as conference play continues.
Payton's three-point performance against Anderson underscores his high usage rate in the offense, making him a critical player for upcoming matches. The defensive unit's ability to restrict opponents to two shots on goal provides a strong indicator of sustained team success.
The takeaway
Maintaining an undefeated record requires balanced contributions from both offensive playmakers and defensive anchors. Consistency in these weekly performances is essential for the team to preserve its top-ranked regional standing.
What happens next
Catawba will face Lincoln Memorial on October 21, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on regional athletic standings, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hickory Daily Record.
