Salem Soccer sent their seniors out with a bang, posting a 4-0 win over William Peace this afternoon.
Before kickoff today, the Spirits honored their five seniors. Here is what was said about each one:
Senior Captain #11, Darilyn Nieto
A forward from Greensboro, NC, majoring in Business Administration. Escorting Darilyn is mom Martha and sister Destry. Darilyn is a four-year player who has competed in 61 games, starting 59 of them. In four seasons, Darilyn has scored 61 goals, was named USA South Rookie of the Year, racked up nine player of the week nods, voted First Team All-Conference three times, and holds multiple offensive records for Salem Soccer. Coach Ramirez says "Darilyn plays with an enthusiasm and joy for the game that we're going to miss. She has been a tremendous leader and joy to watch work to get better each time she steps on the field." Thank you, Darilyn!
Senior #14, Cristina Battistini
A midfielder from Cesena, Italy, majoring in Interior Design and Math. Escorting Cristina is mentor Liz Case. Cristina is a three year player who has competed in 37 games. She has scored three goals, one of which was a game winner. Cristina is a dual sport athlete, also playing on the Salem Basketball team. Coach Ramirez says, "Cristina's toughness and work ethic has shown year in and year out. Coming back from an injury last season, she has shown us all what hard work can accomplish. We're going to miss Cris's commitment and dedication." Thank you Cristina!
Senior #16, Cheyanne Morrill
A midfielder from Glen Falls, NY, majoring in Psychology. Escorting Cheyanne is mom Bethanie and dad Richard. Cheyanne is a two year player who has competed in 26 games. Coach Ramirez sys "We have been so lucky to have Cheyanne with us the past couple of years. We are going to miss her work ethic and tenacity in practice and on game days." Thank you Cheyanne!
Senior Captain #17, Serenity Powell
A defender from Morganton, NC majoring in Health Science. Escorting Serenity is mom Jennifer, dad Ryan, and sister Addison. Serenity is a four year player, who has competed in 56 games, starting 50 of them. Coach Ramirez says, "Serenity has worked so hard over the past 4 years to be such a dependable player for our program. She has been a wall on our back line the past 4 years and we're going to miss how she gives everything to the team day in and day out!" Thank you Serenity!
Senior #18 Maddie Sharai
A midfielder from Chester, SC, majoring in Business. Escorting Maddie is mom Tori and dad Andy. Maddie is a two year player, who has competed in 23 games, scoring one goal and one assist. Coach Ramirez says, "Maddie has been such a hard worker and great addition to our soccer program. She comes to every practice with high energy and great spirit which we are going to miss"Thank you Maddie!
After the ceremony honoring the graduating Spirits, Senior midfielder Cristina Battistini hit the ground running. Assisted by fellow senior Darilyn Nieto, Battistini scored her first goal of the season just under five minutes into the contest. The Pacers had a few opportunities to answer, but the Salem back line held strong and didn't allow any solid chances. The Spirits continued to generate offense, putting up six shots in the next 30 minutes. Their hard work paid off when Pilar Neumann connected with Nieto to put Salem up 2-0.
The Spirits kept up the momentum in half two, putting up four shots and earning four corner kicks in the first 15 minutes. It didn't take much longer for Nieto to break through again, scoring goal number two on the day in the 70th minute. Four different Spirits put up shots in the next 10 minutes as they continued to test the Pacers defense. One minute after Alexia Valente-Arreola and Nieto subbed back in, they connected for Salem's final goal of the contest and Nieto's fourth hat trick of the season.
With three goals today, Nieto broke another offensive record for the Spirits, now having the most goals in a single season with 20.
The Spirits will next be in action a week from today where they travel to Raleigh, NC to take on Meredith.
