MOREHEAD, Ky. – For the second consecutive week, Morehead State Women's Basketball's Ariel Kirkwood has been selected as the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.
 
The OVC announced the honor on Tuesday morning after the six-foot guard distinguished herself from other league rookies during the previous week by posting back-to-back double-doubles in games against Eastern Kentucky and Murray State. For the week, Kirkwood averaged 11.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 blocks, and 2.0 assists.
 
"Ariel had another solid individual week," said MSU head coach Greg Todd. "She continues to grow as versatile wing and will be a key player as our team down the stretch of the season."
 
In Thursday's setback against EKU at home, Kirkwood tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds while blocking five shots and dishing two assists. In a hard-fought loss at Murray State on Saturday, the rookie turned in 10 points, 10 boards, five blocks, two assists, and two steals.
 
Kirkwood becomes the first Morehead State freshman to post consecutive double-doubles since Eriel McKee (2014-18) did so during the 2014-15 season.

McKee, who finished her career ranked 10th in scoring (1,489pts) and tied for the program's steal record (251), twice nabbed consecutive double-double games as she totaled seven for the season. With four games remaining in 2019-20 Kirkwood has six double-doubles.

This season, Kirkwood has started in all 26 games and is averaging 10.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 2.5 assists per game. In OVC statistical rankings, the guard ranks second in rebounds per game and blocked shots per game.
 
The Milwaukee native has now won three OVC Freshman of the Week awards during the 2019-20 season. Along with last weeks, Kirkwood was also named top rookie performer for the week of Dec. 10.
 
Kirkwood and the Eagles will next take the court on Thursday as they begin their final homestand of the season at Johnson Arena. Morehead State will take on Belmont at 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday before welcoming Tennessee State on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.