Westfield, Mass. – Westfield State first-year quarterback Gabriel Fernandez (Holyoke, Mass.) earned the MASCAC Rookie of the Week after throwing for 258 yards and three touchdowns on 20-27 passing (74 percent) in a loss against Worcester State on Saturday afternoon. The Owls totaled 533 yards of offense, which was just one-yard shy of the school record.

Trailing by two touchdowns in the second half, Fernandez lofted a 72-yard touchdown to put the Owls in striking distance. He then erased two fourth quarter deficits with an 18-yard touchdown followed by a 19-yard touchdown. Fernandez also led a drive down the field late in the fourth quarter that led to a go-ahead field goal to put the Owls up three.

On the season, Fernandez has thrown for 429 yards on 59.6 completion percentage with four touchdowns. He has also rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown.

Westfield State will conclude the 2021 regular season on the road as the Owls visit Fitchburg State at noon on Saturday.