ROME, Ga. – After making her collegiate debut, which resulted in a 9-8 victory over Carolina University on Saturday afternoon, Salem's Isabella Morales was named USA South Conference Rookie Pitcher of the Week in an announcement from the league office on Monday.

Morales tossed a complete-game nine-hitter against the Bruins, notching seven strikeouts along the way. Additionally, she surrendered multiple runs in two innings in Salem's first victory of the season. Morales' defense, coupled with her prowess on the mound, limited the Carolina offense to just five earned runs.

Isabella Morales faced 33 batters over the course of the game, making 96 pitches along the way. She tallied 66 strikes in her 96 pitches on the contest.

Morales also played a role in Salem's win at the plate, helping the Spirits come through with three hits in the sixth. After a single to third by Ashlyn Stokes and a single to short by Rheanne Tullock, Morales helped her cause with a sacrifice bunt that scored Stokes from third.

Morales becomes the third first-year player in program history to claim USA South Conference Rookie Pitcher of the Week honors. Miranda Baker earned the distinction on February 26, 2018 and Alli Stertzbach claimed the honor on May 2, 2023.