One familiar face and one new honoree were named the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Pepsi Athletes for the week of February 18.
Senior tennis player Arturo Dell`Eva had a solid start to his season against two of the top teams in the country. During a 4-3 team loss to UC San Diego, Dell`Eva rolled to a singles win at No. 3. He also teamed with Alan Cincunegui to win easily at No. 3 doubles (6-2), and won again against No. 9 ranked Hawaiʻi Pacific. In singles play, he went three tough sets before falling, his only loss of the weekend as the Vulcans fell to the Sharks, 5-2.
Junior Allie Navarette equaled her own school record and put up impressive numbers across the board as the Vulcans split two basketball games on the road. The record breaker had 19 rebounds against Notre Dame de Namur and 18 boards versus Academy of Art, just a few days after pulling down 19 against Holy Names. She had 27 points against the Urban Knights, helping to lead her team to a 61-56 win. Navarette made 14 of 18 free throws in the two games, and now ranks third all-time in PacWest in free throws. This is her sixth Pepsi Award this season.