Cary, N.C. – South Carolina women’s tennis sophomore Sarah Hamner will advance to the singles Round of 16 at the ITA All-American Championships after winning her first-round match on Wednesday. The reigning All-American Champion will also advance to the Round of 16 in doubles with senior Ayana Akli.
Wednesday’s competition started with singles where Hamner, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, took on No. 16 Carol Lee of Georgia Tech. The first set was close with Hamner earning a late service break to take the set 7-5. The sophomore then went on to dominate the second set 6-2 to close the match and advance. She will battle UNC’s Fiona Crawley tomorrow at 10 a.m. for a spot in the Round of 8.
Alki also competed in the singles main draw, but fell to No. 27 Rebeka Mertena of Tennessee 6-3, 6-3 in the Round of 32. The senior will take on No. 17 Kari Miller of Michigan in tomorrow’s main draw consolation draw.
In doubles, Hamner and Akli paired up against Tulsa’s Maria Berlanga and Laia Conde Monfort. The Gamecocks blanked their opponents in the first set 6-0 but the Golden Hurricane duo got back on track for the second set, going toe-to-toe with each pair winning their own service games. The second set drew to 5-5 and with the Gamecocks on serve, they were able to win their service game and break their opponents to take the set and match.
Akli and Hamner will continue doubles competition tomorrow against No. 16 Maria Budin and Diae El Jardi at 1:30 p.m.
Main Draw matches will be broadcast on the Cracked Racquets Crosscourt Cast and will be live streamed on the Town of Cary’s Playsight.
For all the latest South Carolina women’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockWTennis).
Main Draw Singles Round of 32
(27) Rebeka Mertena (Tenn.) def. (42) Ayana Akli (SC) 6-3, 6-3
(2) Sarah Hamner (SC) def. (16) Carol Lee (GT) 7-5, 6-2
Main Draw Doubles Round of 32
(T-60) Ayana Akli/Sarah Hamner (SC) def. Maria Berlanga/Laia Conde Monfort (Tulsa) 6-0, 7-5