ROME, Ga. – Three days after tying the program mark for most single-game goals (five), Salem sophomore forward Darilyn Nieto was named USA South Conference Player of the Week. The announcement came on Monday, September 4th, in a release from the league's office.

The distinction marks the fourth Player of the Week honor from the USA South Conference for Nieto, who claimed three consecutive Rookie of the Week awards in 2022 on September 5th, September 12th and September 19th. It marks the first Player of the Week honor for Nieto in her career, joining Brooke Bukas (twice) and Jordan Lanier as the only other Spirits to receive the award.

Nieto wrapped up an impressive outing against Hollins, leading the Spirits to a 7-0 victory over Hollins on Friday, September 1st. The Greensboro, N.C., native notched her third career hat trick with five goals by virtue of seven shots on goal.

That five-goal performance from Nieto equaled Tarryn Bundy's five-goal performance against Wesleyan (Ga.), which came on September 28, 2013, establishing the program record for goals in a match. Nieto finished the match with 11 shots, seven shots on goal, along the way.

Giselle Ramos netted the first goal of the year for the Spirits, driving home a pass from Layla Locklear at the 49 second mark of the match. Then, Nieto became an unstoppable force for the Spirits, netting the next five unanswered goals, starting with a strike at the 14:47 mark following a pass from Ramos.

Nieto followed with four unassisted goals in the 23rd, 27th, 49th and 58th-minute, as Salem established a 6-0 contest.

Nieto and the Spirits return to action on Wednesday, September 6th, when they head to Laurinburg, N.C., to face St. Andrews at 4 p.m.