Hamner and Akli Set for ITA National Fall Championships

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s No. 29 Ayana Akli and No. 1 newcomer Sarah Hamner will compete in the ITA National Fall Championship singles draw in San Diego on Thursday. The event will take place from November 4-7 at the Barnes Tennis Center and will be both Gamecocks’ first appearance in the event.
 
The singles draw will feature 32 of the top players in the nation. Hamner was awarded a spot in the draw after reaching the semifinals of the ITA All-American National Championships. With the All-American title under her belt and a fall record of 15-1, she looks to continue her success out in California this weekend.
 
Akli, who is 12-6 this fall, earned a spot in the main draw after moving up from the third spot on the alternate list. In the ITA All-American National Championships, she advanced from the qualifying draw to the main draw and took down three ranked opponents in the process. Recently, Akli reached the finals of the ITA Carolina Regionals in which she finished as the runner-up.
 
Schedule of Events (Singles)
Thursday, Nov. 4 – MD round of 32

• Sarah Hamner vs. Elza Tomase (TENN)
• No. 29 Ayana Akli vs. No. 7 Irina Cantos Siemers (OSU)

Friday, Nov. 5 – MD round of 16 and quarterfinals; Consolation round of 16 and quarterfinals
Saturday, Nov. 6 – MD semifinals; Consolation semifinals
Sunday, Nov. 7 – MD finals; Consolation finals
 
MD = Main Draw