Morehead State Women's Basketball guard Ariel Kirkwood has been tabbed as the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week, the league announced Tuesday morning.
The six-foot rookie boasted averages of 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks during the Eagles OVC games at SIUE (Feb. 6) and Eastern Illinois (Feb. 8)
"Ariel is our most complete player," commented MSU head coach Greg Todd. "She continues to be our team's best defensive player, rebounder, and is our blocked-shots leader. Ariel has improved her shooting lately and she continues to work on her passing. I'm happy for her hard work to be recognized by the league and look forward to seeing her game continue to improve."
On Thursday at SIUE, Kirkwood helped Morehead State to an overtime win as she tallied 12 points, six rebounds, and three rejections.
Once again playing in overtime on Saturday at Eastern Illinois, the freshman registered a team-high 15 points and finished one rebound shy of a double-double with nine while also dishing four assists.
For Kirkwood, this is her second OVC Freshman of the Week honor after being recognized on Dec. 10.
During her freshman campaign, the Milwaukee native has started in 24 games and is averaging 10.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Kirkwood's team-best rebound and blocked shot averages each rank second in the OVC.
Morehead State and Kirkwood return to action on Thursday against Eastern Kentucky. The Eagles will host the rival Colonels at Johnson Arena with tipoff slated for 5:00 p.m. ET.
