Sullivan, Wright-Ponder Sweep SSC Weekly Awards

MELBOURNE, Fla. - After taking a pair of victories to begin the 2020-21 campaign, the defending Sunshine State Conference champion University of Tampa women's basketball program received both the SSC Player and Defensive Player of the Week honors. Melijah Sullivan was named the Player of the Week, while teammate LaShayla Wright-Ponder was tabbed as the league's Defensive Player of the Week.

Sullivan opened Tampa's 2020-21 season with 18 points against Palm Beach Atlantic, adding a team-high five assists and two offensive rebounds while her 15 rebounds secured a double-double. She pushed the Spartans to 2-0 on the week with another 18-point effort against Barry on Saturday. The Bartow, Florida totaled 36 points by shooting 59% from the field (16-27) and 100% from the free-throw line (4-4). In her 68 minutes on the court, she recorded 22 rebounds, 10 assists, four steals, and a block. The weekly award is the second of her career.

Wright-Ponder's presence on the defensive end helped the Spartans to a 2-0 opening week. Against Palm Beach Atlantic, the Bloomington, Minnesota native pulled in five defensive rebounds and swatted one shot. She followed with 10 defensive rebounds, and another blocked shot as Tampa held Barry to a season-low 46 points. Wright-Ponder also provided her team with 27 points and a pair of offensive rebounds last week. The weekly award is the second of her career.

Athletes of the Week are chosen from a pool of nominees for their performances during the week of March 1 - 7, 2021. Athletes are nominated by Athletic Communication Directors of member institutions.