ST. JOSEPH – For the fifth time this season, a member of the Missouri Western women’s basketball team has been named the MIAA Women’s Basketball Athlete of the Week. This time it was Sarafina Handy’s turn to win the award, sharing it this week with Fort Hays State’s Paige Lunsford.

Handy was clutch, making key baskets as the Griffon Women won on the road at Washburn and Emporia State last week, two places the program had not won since the 2003-04 season. The senior shot 58.8% from the field and 62.5% from three-point range while averaging 7.5 rebounds and 16.5 points per game. She also shot 87.5% from the free throw line.

She becomes the first Griffon other than LaQuinta Jefferson to win the award this season. Jefferson has claimed four weekly honors this season.

The 10th-ranked Griffons host No. 3 Fort Hays State on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Missouri Western is 17-0 and 11-0 in the MIAA, the program’s best ever start.

— MWSU Athletics —