Hamner Advances in Main Draw at ITA All-Americans

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Newcomer Sarah Hamner advanced to the round of 16 in the singles main draw at the ITA All-American Championships on Wednesday. Hamner and No. 29 Ayana Akli advanced from the qualifying singles round of 16 to reach the main draw early Wednesday morning. 
 
With an early start to the day, Akli and Hamner played the final round of qualifying singles matches. Akli took down No. 42 Dana Guzman of Oklahoma 6-0, 7-6 (4) to advance to the main draw. In similar fashion, Hamner upset North Carolina’s No. 35 Fiona Crawley 7-6 (2), 6-1 to earn a spot in the main draw. 
 
After a rain delay that lasted approximately five hours, main draw competition resumed. Hamner faced her highest ranked opponent this fall in No. 13 Victoria Flores of Pepperdine. The freshman was ready for the challenge, upsetting Flores in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. Hamner advanced to the round of 16 in which she will take on No. 10 Tatiana Makarova of Texas A&M.
 
Akli faced No. 16 Isabella Pfenning of Miami but ultimately dropped her match to the Hurricane in a 6-3, 6-2 decision. In Thursday’s consolation round, Akli will face Pepperdine’s No. 59 Shiori Fukuda.
 
Day 2 Results
Singles – Qualifying Draw
No. 29 Ayana Akli (SC) def. No. 42 Dana Guzman (OU) 6-0, 7-6 (4)
Sarah Hamner (SC) def. No. 35 Fiona Crawley (NC) 7-6 (2), 6-1
 
Singles – Main Draw
No. 16 Isabella Pfenning (UM) def. No. 29 Ayana Akli (SC) 6-3, 6-2
Sarah Hamner (SC) def. No. 13 Victoria Flores (PEPP) 6-3, 6-1