Akli, Hamner Named ITA All-Americans

Columbia, S.C. – ­South Carolina women’s tennis saw two players become ITA All-Americans on Monday. Senior Ayana Akli earned the first All-America honors of her career, being named both a singles and a doubles All-American while sophomore Sarah Hamner joined Akli in being named a doubles All-American.

Akli earned the honor of Singles All-American for being a No. 9-16 seed in the NCAA Singles Championship, advancing the quarterfinals of the championships, and earning a year-end ranking of No. 11.

The Silver Spring, Maryland, native led the team this season with a 34-10 overall record including a 16-3 mark in dual play, all from the top spot in the lineup. At one point, Akli went on a 17-match win streak, beginning during the Carolina Kickoff and extending through the majority of dual play.

During the NCAA Singles Championships, Akli worked her way through three opponents to advance to the quarterfinals, the furthest that she has ever advanced.

In doubles, Akli paired with Hamner and the duo made a remarkable run in the NCAA Championships, beginning as fifth alternates and making the most of their time in the draw, advancing all the way to the quarterfinals to earn their All-America status.

Together, Akli and Hamner put up a team-leading 18-9 overall record with a 9-3 mark in dual play. They went 6-2 in conference play and posted nine wins over ranked opponents on the season.

The honor marks the first time in both Gamecocks’ careers that they have been named doubles All-Americans.

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