University of Hawai`i at Hilo outside hitter Bria Morgan was named PacWest Freshman of the Year in women’s volleyball. She also made the all-conference second team, according to the conference’s announcement Monday night.
The newcomer from Soquel, CA was immediately thrust into a major offensive role with the Vulcans, who lost a majority of their attack due to graduation from last year. When other projected pieces didn’t pan out for head coach Tino Reyes, he asked the rookie to take a solid majority of the team’s swings.
Morgan responded by leading the NCAA Division II ranks with 5.16 kills per set. She also added 2.54 digs and 5.60 points per set during the season.
Morgan was the only member of the UH Hilo volleyball squad to receive any PacWest honor this season. The Vulcans finished 4-17 on the season.
Also receiving all-conference honors is former Waiakea High School graduate Chelsea Buyuan, who now plays for Hawai`i Pacific University. The junior libero was named to the all-conference third team after racking up 375 digs this season, an average of 4.03 per set.
Brigham Young University – Hawai`i sophomore Shih Ting Chen was named as the conference’s Player of the year, while her coach, Wilfred Navalta, was named Coach of the Year. The Seasiders, who swept through PacWest play this season, will host the eight-team NCAA Division II West Regional this weekend in La`ie.
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