Merlo collected his first career GSC Freshman of the Week award following a week that saw him score two goals and register four shots on net in an unbeaten week for Spring Hill. The freshman opened the week by scoring the equalizer in the 82nd minute to draw 2-2 against 11th-ranked Auburn Montgomery. Merlo then came out on the offensive against Montevallo where he opened scoring in the 43rd-minute with his second goal of the week while also registering three shots on net in a 2-0 victory.