ROME, Ga. – Salem's Valeria Rosa Lopez, who wrapped up the Route 42 Classic hosted by Bridgewater last weekend with 63 digs (6.30 digs/set) and 33 kills (3.30 kills/set), earned USA South Defensive Player of the Week honors in a league announcement on Monday.

Lopez became the first Salem volleyball player to earn that accolade from the USA South since Maggie Hawks in 2018. Lopez did so by notching back-to-back double-double performances to open the season against Bridgewater and Eastern Mennonite.

Against the Eagles she tallied the second double-double of her collegiate career, finishing with 22 digs and 12 kills over four sets. The following afternoon, in a clash with Eastern Mennonite she delivered 17 digs and 13 kills, recording her third career double-double.

The Ponce, Puerto Rico, native concluded the three-match tournament by tying her newly established career-high in digs (23) in the final match against Marymount. She also drove home eight kills on the contest.

Salem will return to the courts on Tuesday evening when the Spirits host Ferrum in their home opener. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at Varsity Gym.