Rock Hill, S.C.----Wingate University freshman Paul Ngongo has been named the AstroTurf South Atlantic Conference men's soccer Offensive Player of the Week, league officials announced Tuesday morning. Ngongo earns Player of the Week accolades for the first time in his career.

Ngongo had a goal and an assist last week, leading the Bulldogs to a victory over defending national champion Barry and a draw with Nova Southeastern.

Ngongo found the back of the net in the 71st minute Thursday night, capping Wingate's 3-0 victory against eighth-ranked Barry. The freshman took a match-high four shots on the night against the defending champs. Ngongo wrapped up his week by handing out an assist Saturday afternoon against Nova Southeastern, which put the 'Dogs on top 2-0 in the second half.

Ngongo has had an impressive start to his Bulldog career, collecting three goals and two assists through his first three collegiate games. He had a pair of goals in the season-opening win against Chowan, adding an assist. He has at least one point in every game this year. Ngongo ranks second in the SAC in goals and points, ranking third in assists.

The Bulldogs are back in action Wednesday night, traveling to Coker to open league play at 7:30 p.m. Wingate hosts Anderson Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
A comprehensive, independent and growing university, Wingate serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina. Founded in 1896, the University offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional programs. Wingate is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. Wingate blends in-class exploration with out-of-class application to deliver an uncommon and life-changing educational experience.
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past 13 years. Wingate is first in the 2000s among NCAA Division II and North Carolina's colleges and universities with 113 CoSIDA Academic All-America® selections. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 122 lifetime Academic All-America® honorees. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com. Current news and videos can be found at www.wingate.edu.