The Great Southwest Athletic Conference has announced its Players of the Week following standout performances across men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball.
Men’s Soccer Player of the Week – Gergo Varga, Benedictine Mesa (Sr., F/D)
Gergo Varga delivered an outstanding week for Benedictine Mesa, leading the Redhawks to a pair of crucial victories and securing their postseason berth. The senior from Nyíregyháza, Hungary, exploded offensively with a hat trick in a 5-1 win over Life Pacific before adding the opening goal in a 2-1 triumph against The Master’s. Varga’s four goals across two matches not only led all scorers in the conference but also solidified his position as Benedictine Mesa’s top offensive threat. Averaging 2.0 goals and 4.0 points per game while posting an impressive .667 shooting percentage, Varga’s sharp finishing and leadership were instrumental in the Redhawks’ playoff-clinching week.
Men’s Soccer Defender of the Week – Moritz Ae, Benedictine Mesa (So., GK)
Sophomore goalkeeper Moritz Ae stood tall between the posts for Benedictine Mesa, anchoring the Redhawks’ defense during a pivotal week. The Meltewitz, Germany native started both matches, allowing just two goals over 167 minutes of play as the Redhawks clinched a playoff spot. Ae made key stops in the 2-1 win over The Master’s and maintained composure under pressure, finishing the week with a 1.07 goals-against average. His steady play provided the defensive foundation for Benedictine Mesa’s late-season surge.
Women’s Soccer Player of the Week – Maddy Traylor, The Master’s (Jr., F)
The Master’s junior forward Maddy Traylor turned in a record-breaking week to close the regular season in style. The West Covina, California native scored eight goals in two matches — including a stunning five-goal performance against OUAZ that tied the program record for most goals in a single game. Traylor followed that effort with a hat trick in a 9-0 win over Benedictine Mesa, setting new single-season records for both goals and total points. Averaging 4.0 goals and 8.0 points per game, Traylor’s dominance in front of goal powered TMU to back-to-back wins heading into postseason play.
Women’s Soccer Defender of the Week – Natalia Sepulveda, Embry-Riddle (Grad, D)
Graduate defender Natalia Sepulveda continued to be the backbone of Embry-Riddle’s top-ranked defense, guiding the Eagles to a pair of conference victories. The Tucson, Arizona native helped ERAU limit opponents to just three total goals on the week while contributing offensively with an assist in a 6-1 win over La Sierra. Sepulveda’s leadership and defensive consistency have been central to the Eagles’ conference-best 0.594 goals-against average, as she once again demonstrated her ability to anchor both sides of the pitch.
Women’s Volleyball Attacker of the Week – Kendal Collins, Life Pacific (Jr., OH)
Life Pacific’s junior outside hitter Kendal Collins was unstoppable as the Warriors clinched their postseason berth. Collins notched double-doubles in both matches, totaling 29 kills (3.63 per set) and 37 digs (4.63 per set) across two four-set victories. She hit an efficient .256 while maintaining a stellar .946 serve-receive percentage. Collins’ all-around play and relentless energy fueled Life Pacific’s offensive rhythm and defensive stability during their playoff-clinching weekend.
Women’s Volleyball Setter of the Week – Becca Thomson, Arizona Christian (Jr., S)
Junior setter Becca Thomson orchestrated Arizona Christian’s attack to perfection as the Firestorm swept their two matches and climbed into a tie atop the GSAC standings. The Manteca, California native tallied 41 assists (6.83 per set) and five service aces, helping ACU hit .269 as a team. Thomson’s leadership and efficient distribution were key to ACU’s offensive success, as she also added seven digs and two kills on the week.
Women’s Volleyball Defender of the Week – Kiah Lerma, Arizona Christian (Fr., L)
Freshman libero Kiah Lerma continued to shine defensively for Arizona Christian, helping the Firestorm sweep both Embry-Riddle and Hope International. The Montgomery, Texas native led ACU in digs, averaging 4.67 per set, while helping limit opponents to a combined .120 hitting percentage. Lerma’s consistency in serve-receive (.867 reception rate) and court coverage anchored a Firestorm defense that powered the team to a share of first place in the GSAC standings.