LOWELL, Mass. -- For the first time in program history, UMass Lowell senior Wuilito Fernandes (Praia, Cape Verde) has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy, the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer. 

Fernandes set career highs with 11 goals, five assists and 27 points on his way to earning America East Striker of the Year and All-Conference First Team honors. He led the team in goals and total points, while ranking second and third in the conference, respectively, and paced the America East with 1.69 goals per game. The senior tallied five game-winning goals, and will finish his collegiate career eighth on the program's record lists with 60 points and 25 tallies.

"I couldn't be more excited for Wuilito to receive this recognition alongside some of the most talented players in the country," exclaimed Figueroa. "To be named a semifinalist of the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer is an outstanding accomplishment in itself. As a program, we are thrilled to see the hard work pay off for Wuilito, as he has given absolutely everything to this program over the course of his four years here – a tough four years if you consider the transition we have made from Division II to Division I in his time here."
 
The three-time captain earned one America East Player of the Week honor this season, and was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week two times. Fernandes became the sixth individual player to score 10 or more goals in a single season in a UMass Lowell uniform, and finished the year in a tie for third all-time with his 11.

The Praia, Cape Verde was named to the MAC Hermann Watch List prior to the 2015 season, and is one of two America East players to have been named 2016 semifinalists. The three finalists will be announced on December 14.