HONOLULU—The University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team held its annual awards banquet on Saturday afternoon at the Japanese Cultural Center's Generations Ballroom. The Rainbow Wahine honored its lone senior this season, Mylana Byrd while also announcing their team awards.
 
The Rainbow Wahine, who are 19-6 overall and 16-1 in The Big West, are currently atop the conference standings, two games ahead of UC Santa Barbara with three matches left in the 2022 season.
 
Junior middle blocker Amber Igiede earned a stack of team awards. She was named the team's "Most Valuable Player," "Best Attacker" and "Best Blocker." Igiede entered the week being ranked No. 4 nationally with a .430 hitting percentage. She leads Hawai'i with 337 kills and 117.0 total blocks and is second on the team with 22 service aces.
 
Junior outside hitter Riley Wagoner won the team's "Most Improved Player" award. She has posted career high numbers across the board this season. She has amassed season career highs of 298 kills, 3.27 kill/set, 19 service aces, 39.0 blocks and she is on pace to set a new high in digs as well this season.
 
Sophomore Tayli Ikenaga earned her second-straight "Best Defender" award as she has patrolled and directed the back row as the libero the past two seasons. Even though she missed her first three games of her career due to injury earlier this season, Ikenaga continues to lead UH with 243 digs and a 3.12 digs/set average.
 
Senior setter Mylana Byrd was named "Most Inspirational Player" as she has been a true leader both on and off the court. Her tireless efforts throughout her UH career may not always be recognized in box scores, but her work ethic, leadership and integrity has been so much more valuable and has made an impact on the coaches, staff and players alike.

Hawai'i will play its final home match of the season on Sunday, Nov. 20th against CSU Bakersfield at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Mylana Byrd will be the lone player honored for the Rainbow Wahine's Senior Night.

2022 Women's Volleyball Award Winners
Most Valuable Player: Amber Igiede
Most Inspirational Player: Mylana Byrd
Most Improved Player: Riley Wagoner
Best Offensive Player: Amber Igiede
Best Defensive Player: Tayli Ikenaga
Best Blocker Award: Amber Igiede