McCaskill, Fisk Selected As MAC Hermann Semifinalists

Nov. 28, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. ââ’¬” Gamecock women’s soccer standouts Savannah McCaskill and Grace Fisk have been selected as semifinalists for the 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy, the United Soccer Coaches announced Tuesday afternoon. South Carolina was one of four schools to boast two semifinalists for the annual honor that recognizes the top player in women’s college soccer.

The 15 semifinalists were determined based on voting by NCAA Division I soccer coaches. Three finalists will be named on Fri., Dec. 8, in conjunction with the Men’s College Cup semifinals in Philadelphia. The winner will be revealed at the 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy banquet, set for Jan. 5, 2018, at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

Fisk joins McCaskill and former South Carolina goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo (2011-14) on the list of Gamecocks to be tabbed a MAC Hermann semifinalist.

McCaskill garnered the distinction last year, and the Chapin, S.C., native is the only player in program history to be named a semifinalist two times. The fourth-year striker has paced the South Carolina attack with 25 points and eight goals this season. Her SEC-leading nine assists ranked 22nd among NCAA Division I players, and she stands fifth in the conference with five game-winners on the year. The 2017 SEC Offensive Player of the Year became the third player in program history to reach 100 points for her career with an assist in Carolina’s 1-0 win over then-No. 4 Clemson on Sept. 8.

Fisk has served as an anchor to one of the top defenses in the country. The Gamecocks rank seventh nationally and first in the SEC in goals against average (0.401), and they sport the fourth-best shutout percentage (0.727). Carolina’s 16 shutouts in 2017 are the most in a season in program history, and the team has allowed three or less shots on goal in 16 of its 22 matches. Fisk, the 2017 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, has also contributed on the offensive end. Her seven points and three goals lead all Gamecock defenders, and the Bromley, London, native netted the game-winner in Carolina’s 2-0 NCAA Quarterfinal victory over Florida last week.

McCaskill, Fisk and the Gamecocks are set to face No. 1-seeded Stanford in the Women’s College Cup semifinals on Fri., Dec. 1, at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Friday’s action between the top-ranked Cardinal and No. 5 Gamecocks gets underway at 5 p.m. ET, and the match will air on ESPNU.