Akli and Hamner Advance in ITA All-American Qualifiers

CHARLESTON, S.C. – South Carolina women’s tennis began play in the qualifying rounds of the ITA All-American Championships in which No. 29 Ayana Akli and freshman Sarah Hamner advanced to the qualifying singles round of 16. 
 
In the round of 64, No. 29 Akli posted a commanding 6-3, 6-0 win over No. 124 Sarah-Maude Fortin of Washington to advance to the round of 32. Akli then faced Iowa State’s No. 91 Miska Kadleckova, downing the Cyclone 6-0, 7-6 (4).
 
Hamner, the No. 1 Newcomer, began her ITA All-American debut with a match against Zoe Howard of Princeton. The freshman showcased her talent, taking Howard down in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. Hamner then upset No. 53 Lisa Zaar of Pepperdine by forcing a third set, claiming the win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
 
No. 50 Megan Davies played a competitive match against Rice’s No. 70 Frederica Trevisan, but ultimately dropped the match 6-4, 6-4. Davies will face Melodie Collard of Virginia in the consolation round on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.
 
In the qualifying singles round of 16, Akli is set to face No. 42 Dana Guzman of Oklahoma and Sarah Hamner will take on North Carolina’s No. 35 Fiona Crawley. Both matches will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
 
Day 1 Results
Singles
No. 70 Frederica Trevisan (Rice) def. No. 50 Megan Davies (SC) 6-4, 6-4
No. 29 Ayana Akli (SC) def. No. 124 Sarah-Maude Fortin (UW) 6-3, 6-0
No. 29 Ayana Akli (SC) def. No. 91 Miska Kadleckova (ISU) 6-0, 7-6 (4)
Sarah Hamner (SC) def. Zoe Howard (PRIN) 6-4, 6-4
Sarah Hamner (SC) def. No. 53 Lisa Zaar (PEPP) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4