Dec. 26, 2007

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis University sophomore midfielder Nester Hernandez has been selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NCAA Division II All-America third team.

Hernandez, who earlier this month was named to the all-region first team for the first time in his career, is the Flyers' first All-America selection since Cathal Brady made the third team following the 2005 season. Hernandez is the 12th Flyer in Lewis men's soccer history to be named All-America.

In a breakout season, Hernandez emerged as a clutch offensive performer for the Flyers in 2007. He led the team and tied for fifth in the conference in game-winning goals (5) and was second on the team in total goals (9) and assists (5). Hernandez also ranked ninth in the conference in total points (23) and points per game (1.28), and he was tied for 10th in goals per game (0.50)

Hernandez scored six of his nine goals during Lewis' 10-game win streak, igniting the lengthy run with an unassisted tally in the Flyers' 1-0 overtime win over then-ranked No. 21 Indianapolis on Sept. 30. Hernandez was named GLVC Player of the Week on Oct. 15 after scoring the game-winning marker in Lewis' 2-1 win over Drury and the game-tying goal in the Flyers' 3-2 comeback win over then-ranked No. 21 Rockhurst.

Hernandez will enter the 2008 season with 28 points (10 goals, 8 assists).

The Flyers (17-5) enjoyed great success in 2007, posting their 16th consecutive season of 10 or more wins and finishing tied with the 2000 team for the second most wins in program history. Lewis claimed its eighth Great Lakes Valley Conference title with a thrilling 1-0 win over No. 1 Northern Kentucky and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the fifth time in program history.