For the first time since the return of baseball to the Wilberforce University campus, a student-athlete has earned national recognition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Sophomore Christopher Alcantara-Diaz, following a dominant week at the plate, has been named NAIA National Player of the Week. His offensive explosion helped propel Wilberforce closer to back-to-back appearances in the HBCUAC Tournament, as the Bulldogs completed a three-game sweep of Oakwood.

"This is a huge moment for the Wilberforce University baseball program," said head coach Roosevelt Barnes. "To bring national recognition to Wilberforce in only our fourth year of existence speaks volumes about the future of our program."

Alcantara-Diaz was unstoppable at the plate, particularly during the Oakwood series, where he posted a staggering .909/.909/1.727 slash line with three doubles, two home runs, and 15 RBI over three games.

For the week, he hit .647 with three home runs, 10 runs scored, and 19 RBI.

"Chris has continued to grow at the plate as the season has progressed," Barnes added. "His approach allows him to adjust and take advantage of how pitchers are trying to attack him."

Wilberforce returns to action at 1 p.m. Wednesday in a non-conference matchup against Kentucky State, before closing out the regular season with a three-game home HBCUAC series against Rust.