Two Gamecocks Advance to All-American Championship Semifinals

Cary, N.C. – South Carolina women’s tennis saw much success on the third day of main draw action at the ITA All-American Championships. Both Ayana Akli and Sarah Hamner individually made their way into the tournament’s singles semifinals and together advanced to the doubles consolation semifinals as well.

In singles, No. 7 Akli was the first Gamecock to book her spot in the semifinals. She took on Michigan’s Kari Miller who is ranked No. 24 in the nation. Akli cruised to a win over Miller, defeating the Wolverine 6-2, 6-4. Akli’s win streak now stretches to five straight and she has yet to give up a set in any of those five matches.

Hamner followed Akli’s lead and punched her ticket to the semifinals just a few moments later. No. 25 Hamner faced No. 47 Jessica Alsola of California in her quarterfinal match. After Alsola claimed the first set 6-2, Hamner rallied to even things up with a 6-2 set win of her own. With things evened at one set a piece, Hamner seized the opportunity, breaking Alsola’s serve, claiming the final set 6-3 to advance. The juniors win streak now extends to ten consecutive matches with her only loss of the fall season coming in her first match.

Together, Akli and Hamner, the nation’s No. 10 pair, also advanced to the doubles consolation semifinals. They took down Nebraska’s Raphaelle Lacassee and Isabel Androver in a near-shutout 6-0, 6-1 result.

In Saturday’s semifinals, Akli will face No. 3 Alexa Noel of Miami while Hamner will face No. 2 Mary Stoiana of Texas A&M. Both matches will take place at the Cary Tennis Park beginning at 11:00 a.m.

In doubles, the duo will face No. 12 Mai Nirundorn and Guillermina Grant of Georgia. The time of that match will be decided following the day’s singles matches.

Live scoring for all matches will be available here with live streaming available here.

For all the latest South Carolina women’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockWTennis).

ITA All-American Championship Results

Main Draw Singles Quarterfinals

(7) Ayana Akli (SC) def. (24) Kari Miller (Mich) 6-2, 6-4

(25) Sarah Hamner (SC) def. (47) Jessica Alsola (Cal.) 2-6, 6-2, 6-3

Main Draw Doubles Consolation Quarterfinals

(10) Ayana Akli/Sarah Hamner (SC) vs. Raphaelle Lacassee/Isabel Androver Gallego (Nebraska) 6-0, 6-1