UHH’s Morgan Named PacWest VB’s Top Freshman

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.

PacWest All-Conference Awards

First team

Ingrid Carmona (OH), California Baptist

Shih Ting Chen (OH/MB), BYU-Hawai`i

Ying Chun Chen (S), BYU-Hawai`i

Lauren Hagemeyer (OH), BYU-Hawai`i

Rupia Inck (OH), Fresno Pacific

Mackenzie Phelps (L), Grand Canyon

Kristen Preach (S), Grand Canyon

Second team

Erica Adachi (S), Fresno Pacific

Kathleen Anderson (MB), Fresno Pacific

Hannah Butler (L), Fresno Pacific

Jackie Landers (OH), Azuza Pacific

Melanie Manutai (L), BYU-Hawai`i

Bria Morgan (OH), Hawai`i-Hilo

Malika O’Brien (MB), California Baptist

Third team

Chelsea Buyuan (L), Hawai`i Pacific

Lindsay Elgin (MB), Academy of Art

Erh Fang Hsu (MB), BYU-Hawai`i

Kristen Johannsen (MB), Grand Canyon

Kelli LeClair (OH), Point Loma Nazarene

Shelby Taylor (MB), Grand Canyon

Ashley Vander Tuig (MB), Azuza Pacific

Honorable Mention

Janelle Burnett (L), Academy of Art

Emily Carroll (S), Fresno Pacific

Haley Doerfler (MB), Hawai`i Pacific

Kim McCalmont (OH), California Baptist

Joy Reinke (OH), Azuza Pacific

Rachael Smith (S), Academy of Art

Faith Steinwedell (OPP), California Baptist

Hannah Stocking-Siagkris (OH), Dominican

Michelle Tevaga (OH), BYU-Hawai`i

Rachel Vartanian (OPP), Holy Names

Player of the Year

Shih Ting Chen, BYU-Hawai`i

Libero of the Year

Mackenzie Phelps, Grand Canyon

Freshman of the Year

Bria Morgan, Hawai`i Hilo

Newcomer of the Year

Kathleen Anderson, Fresno Pacific

Coach of the Year

Wilfred Navalta, BYU-Hawai`i