Benedictine University Mesa athletics proudly announces the winners of this year's athletic awards…
REDHAWK RESILIENCY AWARD –
Elena Rivera, Women's Soccer
Rivera has recovered from a season ending injury last year to completing her first season as a Redhawk. Rivera has been a strong asset to the defensive line and has helped the Redhawks achieve their four shutouts this season. Rivera has also played 45 minutes between the posts where she and the defenders kept Hope International off the board in the second half.
FEMALE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR – Nyah Henderson, Women's Basketball
Henderson was a consistent scorer and defender for the Redhawks averaging 9.6 points a game and 6.1 rebounds a game with a total of 171 to lead the team. Henderson had two games on the season with 13 rebounds against Embry-Riddle and Westcliff.
MALE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR – Dylan Bangs, Baseball
Bangs has been an important part of the BenU offense, hitting in the four-spot all season long. Bangs had a big series against Simpson University where he hit two home runs and hit 2-for-4 on the day. He went on to do the same against La Sierra towards the end of the season, hitting two home runs in a single game. He was second on the team with 9 home runs. Bangs received All-Cal Pac honors and was named to the Cal Pac All-Defensive team.
CHARLES GREGORY LEADERSHIP AWARD – Kanoelani Quintal, Women's Basketball
Quintal is an active member of multiple clubs on campus and is an avid supporter of the Redhawks. Quintal not only competes on the court but competes in the classroom as well and represents the University in the community too. Quintal was named and awarded the Champion of Character award for the Cal Pac Conference.
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Brianna Rivera, Women's Volleyball
Rivera finished the year as the Redhawks leading outside hitter with 389 kills on the season and averaged 3.76 kills per set. Rivera also notched 203 digs to average 1.81 per set. Rivera finished the year leading the team to another NAIA National Championship Opening Round appearance. Rivera has also led the team to their second Cal Pac Championship Title, the first for a regular season title, going 17-2 in Cal Pac play. Rivera received All-Cal Pac First Team honors and NAIA All-America honors for her outstanding performance in the 2022 season.
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Landon Fuller (Men's Volleyball) & Orlando Lorduy (Baseball)
Fuller led the Redhawks to another National Tournament appearance and ended the season as the National Runner-ups. Fuller totaled 303 kills while averaging 3.19 kills per set. Fuller also hit for a .377 clip on the season and added 141 digs on the year. Landon Fuller was named the Cal Pac Player of the Year and received NAIA All-America Honors this season.
Lorduy led the Redhawks to their second National Tournament Appearance and to the Opening Round Title game before ending the season. Lorduy maintained a .409 batting average to lead the Redhawks and had 92 hits, 19 doubles, 3 triples, and 11 home runs on the season.
Congratulations to our Redhawks for their outstanding performances throughout the year.
