University of Hawai`i Hilo year in review: awards

Honorable Mention:

Lindsey Poulsen, Women's Soccer, Second Team All-PacWest.

Jessica Snell, Women's Soccer, Second Team All-PacWest.

Kawena Cubi-Otineru, Women's Volleyball, Second Team All Pac-West.

Andrew Gipson, Men's Basketball, All-PacWest Honorable Mention.

UH Hilo Player of the Year: Hillary Hurley

Sports: Women's Volleyball and Basketball.

Volleyball: Hurley led the PacWest with 4.71 kills and 5.25 points per set, while receiving the PacWest Player of the Year award and first team honors.

Basketball: Although UH Hilo fell short of a volleyball conference championship, Hurley found more solace on the hardwood, transferring her intimidating volleyball skills to the basketball team. She led UH Hilo in points (15.7 per game), rebounds (10.0), and blocked shots (1.2). Her rebounding and shot-blocking numbers were good for third in the PacWest.

Overall: UH Hilo was blessed to be able to watch Hurley play for two teams. There are very few athletes with the talent to excel at two sports at the collegiate level. Hurley just happens to be one of them.

First Team

Katie Swenson, Women's Volleyball.

Swenson received second team PacWest honors for the second consecutive season. She led both UH Hilo and the PacWest with 10.82 assists per set.

Rachel Thornquist, Women's Volleyball.

Thornquist was the PacWest Newcomer of the Year, ranking third in the PacWest in hitting percentage (.299) and first on the team on blocks (1.0).

Justin Smith, Men's Basketball.

Smith's 18.4 points per game was second in the conference, and his 7.1 rebounds per were second on the team. He also earned first team conference honors for the second straight season.

Lavell Shipman, Men's Basketball.

Shipman was the team's box-score stuffer. He was in the top three in all major categories, including scoring (9.5), rebounding (3.7), assists (2.1), steals (1.0), and blocks (0.7). Shipman is also being recognized for his playmaking and highlight-reel worthy ability.

Zach Wilde, Men's Basketball.

Wilde was robbed of All-PacWest honors, but he will get his credit here. The team's leading rebounder (7.6) was also the team's second leading scorer (13.3).

Kirsty Imai, Women's Basketball.

The youngster averaged almost nine points, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Her playmaking ability will be greatly appreciated next season.

Keoni Manago, Baseball.

The list of categories that Manago leads is ridiculous. He is first in the conference in batting average (.400), slugging percentage (.580), and on-base percentage (.459). These are just to name a few, and Manago is also a highly decorated PacWest performer. He was the 2008 Freshman of the Year, 2009 Player of the Year, 2010 co-Player of the Year, and the 2011 preseason Player of the Year. Do not be surprised if he adds the 2011 Player of the Year award to his trophy case.

Drew Geis, Men's Soccer.

The three-time All-PacWest award winner scored seven goals this season and added one more first team All-PacWest honor to his résumé.

Kanani Numata, Softball.

The senior has banged three home runs, nine doubles, and a triple. Her .504 slugging percentage leads UH Hilo. Her presence will be greatly missed.