Alabama A&M University Athletics has named men’s tennis standout Mihnea Stanciu and women’s volleyball standout Rayishon Jackman as the Dawgs of the Week, honoring their standout athletic displays across recent competition windows. The weekly accolade, decided through a vote by the Alabama A&M athletic staff, highlights top performers from the Rocket City’s sole Division I program.
Stanciu captured the Southwestern Athletic Conference Fall Men’s Singles Championship on Oct. 21, powering through a competitive bracket to reach an all-Bulldog final against teammate Noah Koffi. His tournament path opened with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Mississippi Valley State competitor Julien Cordeau, followed by a dominant 6-1, 6-1 semifinal win against Jackson State representative Angel Hernandez. In the title match, Stanciu held a 6-1, 4-1 lead before the match concluded early, securing the conference crown and punching his ticket to the ITA Conference Masters tournament scheduled for Nov. 5-8 in Rome, Georgia.
On the volleyball court, Jackman turned in a stellar multi-match stretch for the Lady Bulldogs, anchoring both offensive and defensive phases of the game. Her week featured a heavy-duty performance on Oct. 21 during a four-set battle against Alabama State, where she racked up 21 kills and 21 digs.
Volleyball Contributions and Team Impact
Jackman’s defensive resilience and offensive efficiency set the tone earlier in the competitive slate as well. During an Oct. 16 matchup, she posted eight kills, one service ace, and 13 digs to help propel Alabama A&M to a 3-0 sweep over Jackson State. She followed up those efforts on Oct. 25, collecting 10 kills, two service aces, and nine digs in a straight-set victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff that boosted the Bulldogs’ conference standing.
Upcoming Schedule and Postseason Path
With his singles title secured, Stanciu now shifts focus toward regional and national competition at the upcoming ITA Conference Masters event in Georgia. Meanwhile, Jackman and the Lady Bulldogs continue conference play as the team builds momentum down the stretch of its fall schedule.
