NORFOLK, Va. – Hampton University junior forward Keiara Avant was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday.

Avant (Chesapeake, Va.) grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds in Saturday's 47-29 win over Maryland Eastern Shore at the HU Convocation Center, to go along with one block and one steal. Her effort on the glass helped the Lady Pirates record a season low in both points allowed (29) and field goal percentage allowed (15.9 percent).

Avant's award marks the third time this season a Lady Pirate has been named MEAC Defensive Player of the Week; junior forward Ariel Phelps (Virginia Beach, Va.) was named MEAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Jan. 2 and again on Jan. 23.

Norfolk State's Whitney Long was named MEAC Player of the Week, while Tiffanie Adair of North Carolina A&T earned Rookie of the Week honors.

The Lady Pirates (19-4, 11-1 MEAC) will return to action on Monday, when they play host to Delaware State at 6 p.m. at the HU Convocation Center. It will be the Lady Pirates' 2011-12 regular-season home finale and Senior Night.

For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.