NORFOLK, Va., March 29, 2023—Morgan State junior Mikael Carpenter was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s Tennis Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference office announced today, and South Carolina State freshman Mikalai Bankou was named Men’s Rookie of the Week. Howard University sophomore Sifa Butcher was named Women’s Tennis Player of the Week, and South Carolina State freshman Soyfa Vitaliyena Chu was named Women’s Rookie of the Week.
 
Carpenter (Jr., Suitland, Md.) defeated Philip Bible of LIU 6-4, 6-2 at the No. 1 singles spot for his seventh straight singles victory. He also paired with Bertin Karenzi for a 7-5 win at No. 3 doubles.
 
Bankou (Fr., Belarus) defeated Campbell’s Lukas Steffen 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 at No. 3 singles, helping the Bulldogs extend their winning streak to five matches. He also won his doubles match at No. 3, 6-2.
 
Butcher (So., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) played in the No. 1 singles spot for the first time in her career in the Bison’s road win over Towson, defeating Sarah Pospichill 6-4, 6-4. She also paired with Jordan Grayson for a 6-1 doubles win over the Tigers.
 
Chu (Fr., Kazakhstan) won at No. 1 singles as the Bulldogs defeated Campbell for their seventh straight win, going 6-3, 6-0 against Tasmin Hart. She also won at No. 1 doubles, pairing with Semlali Hind for a 7-5 victory.
 
Other Top Performers
Daria Jula (Delaware State) picked up two doubles wins this past week, as well as two singles wins (one via retirement).
 
Noelani Lui (Delaware State) was 1-0 in singles play, going 6-3, 6-0 at no. 2 singles against Coppin State.