PORTLAND – Portland State women's basketball coach Sherri Murrell has announced the signing of junior transfer Ani Avanessian to a National Letter of Intent for the 2013-14 season.

"Ani has impressive statistics, quickness and athleticism but what has stood out most to us is her work ethic and leadership,” Murrell said. “She is a truly committed person who has developed her game greatly at Los Angeles Valley College."

Avanessian, a 5-foot-9 guard/forward from San Fernando Valley, Calif., led Los Angeles Valley College to the Western State Conference South Division championship. The Lady Monarchs went 23-9 overall and 11-1 in conference play last season. Avanessian averaged 16.7 ppg and 8.7 rpg for the season and 17.7 ppg and 9.4 rpg during conference play.

Avanessian was named the WSC Player of the year and was named to the California Community College Athletic Association All-State First Team. She was a five-time WSC Southern Division Player of the Week and earned All-Tournament honors at the Mt. SAC Tip Off, LAVC Russell Classic, and Ventura Tournament of Champions.

Avanessian adds to the Vikings' four other NLI signees: Lauren Holt (San Jose, Calif./Leigh HS), Jackie Lanz (Vancouver, Wash./St. Mary's Academy), Yaremi Mejia (Medford, Ore./South Medford), and Delanie Parry (Beaverton, Ore./Westview HS).

NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNINGS
Lauren Holt, G, 5-11, FR, San Jose, Calif. (Leigh HS) – Nov. 16, 2012
Jackie Lanz, G, 5-8, FR, Vancouver, Wash. (St. Mary's Academy) – Nov. 14, 2012
Yaremi Mejia, PG, 5-7, FR, Medford, Ore. (South Medford HS) – Nov. 20, 2012
Delanie Parry, G, 5-6, FR, Beaverton, Ore. (Westview HS) – April 18, 2013
Ani Avanessian, G/F, 5-9, JR-TR, San Fernando Valley, Calif. (Monroe HS/Los Angeles Valley College) – May 10, 2013