Akli, Hamner Advance at National Fall Championships

San Diego, Calif. – ­Both of South Carolina women’s tennis’ entries at the ITA National Fall Championships have advanced after the first round of play in San Diego, Calif. Graduate Ayana Akli and junior Sarah Hamner both claimed straight set wins in the first round to move on.

No. 7 Akli faced Kinaa Graham of LSU in her first-round match. The Gamecock looked strong against her fellow SEC counterpart, taking her down 6-3, 6-2. Hamner’s first-round matchup was also against an SEC opponent – No. 67 Bridget Stammel of Vanderbilt. Hamner breezed her way into the second round with a 6-1, 6-3 victory.

In the round of 16, Akli will take on No. 99 Malaika Rapolu of Texas while Hamner will face Pepperdine’s No. 23 Savannah Broadus. Match times for the second round will be announced at a later time

Draws and results for the National Fall Championships are available on the tournament webpage. Live stats for second round 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 National Fall Championship Results

Singles

(7) Ayana Akli (SC) def. Kinaa Graham (LSU) 6-3, 6-2

(25) Sarah Hamner (SC) def. (67) Bridget Stammel (Vanderbilt) 6-1, 6-3