Vanguard sports awards

It was a marquee year for Portland State athletics, and in honor of the great performances by student-athletes and coaches, the Vanguard is on hand to deliver some hard-earned awards. Sorry winners, there is no cash prize.

Here are the Vanguard‘s sports section’s selections for our End of the Academic Year Awards.

Best male athleteWinner: Jeremiah DominguezWhy: Dominguez was the Big Sky MVP in a year where he also led the team to its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. What’s more, Dominguez was the offensive engine for the Vikings, averaging 14 points and four assists while shooting 47 percent from the field.Runner up: Jordan Senn, linebacker, football

Best female athleteWinner: Claire FaucherWhy: Not only did Faucher’s team go 22-9 and make the Big Sky Tournament, she also notched back-to-back triple-doubles toward the end of the season, saving her best play for last. The sophomore led the nation in assists and was named an Honorable Mention All-American. Runner up: A tie, between softball first baseman Jana Rae Slayton and track and field star Caressa Sims.

Best teamWinner: Men’s basketballWhy: The team won the Big Sky Tournament and earned the right to play in the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever. In head coach Ken Bone’s third year at the helm, the team went 23-10 and averaged more than 1,300 fans at home games. Their appearance in the NCAA Midwest Regional in Omaha was perhaps one of the most important events in Portland State history.Runner up: Volleyball team, 21-8 with a Big Sky regular season title

Newcomer of the yearWinner: Sherri MurrellWhy: In July, Murrell inherited a struggling program that just three years prior went 3-23 and led the team to their finest season in 10 years. She provided structure for her team by making expectations clear, but also made things fun–a departure from the rigid style of former head coach Charity Elliott. Runner up: Arielle Wiser, shortstop, softball team

Best personalityWinner: Mandy HillWhy: Hill is one of the most excitable athletes at the university. When she speaks, it sometimes seems as if her brain is working too fast for her mouth to keep up. She’s been the emotional leader of her team for the past three years and its statistical leader as well. None of that has gotten to her head, as Hill remains as one of the most humble athletes on campus.Runner up: Andy Schantz, linebacker, football team