Jan. 13, 2003

For the third time this season, North Carolina freshman La'Tangela Atkinson has been named ACC Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week.

Atkinson, a 6-1 player from Bishopville, S.C., came off the bench to average 11.0 points and 7.0 rebounds last week as the Tar Heels defeated Wake Forest 86-56 and Florida State 74-53.

Against the Demon Deacons, Atkinson scored 14 points, equal to the team lead, and grabbed seven rebounds in 19 minutes of play. At Florida State, she scored eight points and led UNC in rebounds with seven. In the two games, she shot 77.8 percent from the field.

For the season, Atkinson leads Carolina in rebounding with 7.9 per game. Her scoring average of 11.2 points per game ranks third on the team.

Duke's Alana Beard earned ACC Player of the Week honors.

Tenth-ranked UNC is now 14-1 overall, 4-0 in ACC play. The Tar Heels travel to Clemson this week for a conference matchup Thursday night at 7. UNC's next home game is on Monday, when Duke visits Carmichael Auditorium for a noon tipoff.