NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Kareemah Muhammad played only one match this past week — in singles — but the outcome became an award winner.
        Muhammad, unranked in singles, defeated William Carey's No. 24 Valeriya Shurbina 6-3, 6-1 to help 13th-ranked XULA beat the fifth-ranked Lady Crusaders 5-1. As a result, Muhammad was selected NAIA National Women's Tennis Player of the Week for April 11-17.
        The NAIA announced the award Wednesday.
        Muhammad is a freshman from Tustin, Calif. She also won Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the same period.
        This is the sixth all-time NAIA National Player of the Week award for XULA women's tennis. XULA won both national awards this week; Juan Ramirez did it for the men.
        Next for the Gold Nuggets will be the RRAC Tournament April 28-30 at XULA Tennis Center. Seedings and pairings for the six-team event will be announced no later than Tuesday.