KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Sydney Steward of Faulkner (Ala.) was at the center of the Eagles’ defense, earning PrestoSports NAIA Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The junior guard from Hazel Green, Alabama, helped lead the Lady Eagles to a 2-0 weekend highlighted by a signature victory over defending champions Marian (Ind.). Steward’s defensive instincts, rebounding ability, and knack for creating turnovers were instrumental in Faulkner’s success, as she averaged 4.5 steals and 7.0 rebounds per game, including 6.5 defensive rebounds per contest.
Steward opened the weekend with a career-best performance against Marian, recording five steals and eight rebounds in Faulkner’s 65-60 victory. Her defensive effort was particularly important down the stretch, where she secured two key defensive rebounds in the closing moments to help preserve the upset win. In addition, she contributed eight points and eight assists while helping limit a Marian squad that averaged fewer than 10 turnovers per game the previous season.
She followed with another outstanding all-around performance in a 92-44 victory over LSU Alexandria (La.). Despite playing just 19 minutes, Steward collected four steals and six rebounds while also dishing out nine assists. Her defensive activity consistently disrupted LSU Alexandria’s offensive rhythm and fueled Faulkner’s transition opportunities.
For the week, Steward compiled 14 rebounds, nine steals, 17 assists, and just five turnovers across two games. Her ability to generate extra possessions, control the defensive glass, and pressure opposing ball handlers provided a spark on both ends of the floor.
With Steward setting the tone defensively, Faulkner opened its season with two impressive victories, including a win over the nation’s top-ranked team.
About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small college athletics programs dedicated to character-driven, education-based athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has balanced high-level competition with holistic student-athlete development through its commitment to The Right Way to Play®. Each year more than 87,000 NAIA student-athletes compete in college athletics, earn over $1.3 billion in financial aid, and pursue opportunities to participate in 30 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA | #TheRightWayToPlay
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