WASHINGTON, D.C. - George Mason women's basketball sophomore Zahirah Walton has been named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week, announced by the conference on Tuesday.

The nod is the first weekly honor for Walton, who returned to the court this season after missing last season due to injury. She has been a consistent contributor off the bench for the Patriots this season, and is currently second on the team in scoring (10.6 ppg) and rebounding (5.2 rpg).

In a 1-1 week for Mason, Walton led the team with 15.5 points in two games. The forward from Seattle led the team to a comeback win over Towson on Friday, tallying a career-high 23 points, which is the most by any Patriot this season. Also against the Tigers, she notched a career-high nine free throws, seven field goals, three steals and two blocks. Throughout the week, she averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and shot .409 from the field.

Walton and the Patriots return to EagleBank Arena after a six-game road trip on Saturday, Dec. 30, to open Atlantic 10 play against La Salle. Tip-off with the Explorers is set for 6 p.m.