ROME, Ga. – Salem's Darilyn Nieto wrapped up an impressive first weekend on soccer field by claiming USA South Rookie of the Week on Monday in an announcement from the league office. With this award, Nieto becomes the first player in program history to earn this distinction.

In her first collegiate match, Nieto emerged with two goals after attempting two shots on goal, helping Salem to earn a 9-0 victory over Regent in the season opener for both units.

Nieto, a native of Greensboro, N.C., drove home the first goal of her collegiate career in the fifth minute, providing Salem with a 1-0 lead. She followed that up by finding the back of the net, following a pass from Alyson Gammons, for the match's fourth goal and first of the second half. Nieto's second half goal was one of six for the Spirits, who claimed their seventh season-opening win in program history.

Nieto and teammate Ashley Linden shared the team-high in goals, scoring two apiece, becoming the 16th set of Salem teammates to score multiple goals in the same contest. The last to achieve the feat were Baylee Greenwood, Alyson Gammons and Ellie Montes, in a 9-0 victory over Warren Wilson in the 2021 season opener on September 1st.

Salem returns to action on Tuesday afternoon, facing Sweet Briar in its home opener at Varsity Field. The match is set to begin at 4:30 p.m.