26 March 2022 | Basketball

Melisa Akullu walked straight into Claire Lamunu's shoes when she joined Vanguard University a couple of years ago.

During her tenure with the Vanguard Lions, Lamunu was exceptional leading the side to the NAIA national tournament and by extension, the bar was already set for Akullu.

The Ugandan center has had a very good sophomore year, registering 15 double-doubles during the 2021-22 season, seven of which came in her last eight games.

The 6-foot-1 center averaged a double-double, one of just two players in the Golden State Athletic Conference to do so, posting 18.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. She ranked third in the conference in points and tied for the lead in rebounds.

Akullu recorded at least 20 points in a game 10 times and twice hit the 30-point mark, including a career-high 35 points against Life Pacific on 2nd December 2021. She scored 30 in the regular-season rematch against the Warriors on 22nd January 2022. She also reached double figures in points in 14 straight games and in all but one during the just concluded 2021-22 season.

To cap her good season, Akullu earned NAIA Third Team All-America honours.

With performances like that from Akullu, Jane Asinde at Wichita State Shockers, Jamila Nansikombi at Moberley Area Community College, and Priscilla Abey at Grayson College as well several stars in the local league, exciting times are ahead for the Gazelles, Uganda's national women's team.

Celebrating Women in Sports

MTN Uganda is Celebrating Women in Sports and we would like you to nominate your outstanding woman in sports and shine a light on their greatness.

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