It was announced on Monday that Joanna Harden became the first Troy University women’s basketball player in school history to be named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week since Troy joined the league in 2005-06.

Harden led the Trojans with 27 points and four assists in the team’s 74-70 overtime victory over Middle Tennessee State on Sunday.

“It means a lot to me,” Harden said. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard it. It’s been a tough season, but it’s an honor to be the first in program history to get this award.”

The Pompano Beach, Fla., native has scored in double figures in nine straight games this season and is averaging 21.6 points over that span.

“Early in the season she was scoring nine points here and 12 points there, we knew she could do more,” Troy head coach Chanda Rigby said. “We challenged her to take more shots and she has really come on strong of late.”

The junior guard scored 19 points on Wednesday against South Alabama and is averaging 18.1 points per contest in league play on the season, which ranks fourth in the Sun Belt Conference.

Harden is averaging 14.5 points per game on the season, ninth best in the Sun Belt.

“I was speechless after the game,” Harden said. “When I found out it was the first time we beat Middle Tennessee, the feeling was indescribable. We learned as we go forward that if we play together we can beat anybody.”

Troy will return to action as it hosts Florida International on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. The Trojans will also welcome North Texas on Saturday for a 5 p.m. tip.