Updated

Connecticut Sun guard Kara Lawson was selected as the recipient of the WNBA's Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award on Thursday.

Lawson, who also took home the award in 2009 as a member of the Sacramento Monarchs, garnered 18 of 41 votes from a panel of national and local sportswriters and broadcasters. San Antonio Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon finished second with five votes.

Named in honor of late Houston Comets guard Kim Perrot, who passed away in 1999 after a seven-month battle with cancer, the award is designed to honor a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship -- ethical behavior, fair play and integrity.

In her 10th season in the league, Lawson is a presence in the Connecticut community and has been actively involved in raising both funds and awareness for Alzheimer's research since her collegiate coach Pat Summitt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's last August.

"I followed the WNBA from the beginning," Lawson said. "I was in high school when it started so I got a chance to watch Houston winning four in a row, and the first couple of championships with Kim. Being a point guard like her, I know the respect she had around the league, so to receive this award in her name means a lot."

Lawson is averaging career-highs in points (15.1), assists (4.0) and rebounds (3.9) for the Sun, who begin their quest for a WNBA title on Thursday against the New York Liberty.