BIRMINGHAM | The Gulf South Conference announced its volleyball player of the week awards on Tuesday and UAH's Kayla Ward has been named the GSC Defensive Player of the Week after her performance at the UAH Invitational this past weekend. 

The sophomore from Batesville, Ark., earned All-Tournament Team honors and posted 20 blocks in four matches for a 1.33 blocks per set average along with nine digs. She also contributed 25 kills and an attack percentage of .478 for the weekend. 

Ward was vital to a five set win over Harding on Friday evening as she tallied nine kills with a .533 attack percentage to accompany four solo blocks and three block assists. 

The Chargers currently lead the GSC in blocks with 80 on the season, 25 more than second place West Florida in the category. 

UAH will travel to Montevallo, Ala. this weekend for the GSC/Peach Belt Conference Crossover.