Women’s Tennis Heads to its 30th Consecutive NCAA Tournament
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s tennis has earned a bid to its 30th consecutive NCAA Tournament, announced at the selection show on Monday evening. The No. 26 Gamecocks will face Kansas in the first round at the University of North Carolina.
No. 5 North Carolina will host South Carolina, Kansas and VCU for the first and second round matches on May 2 and 3 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Gamecocks are entering NCAAs with a 14-11 overall record and 9-8 conference standing. South Carolina defeated six ranked teams highlighted by a 4-2 takedown of then-No. 6 Auburn when the Garnet & Black were No. 53. South Carolina made it to the second round in the SEC Tournament two weeks ago, defeating Mississippi State 4-2 before later falling to Texas by the same margin.
Kevin Epley has led the Gamecocks to NCAAs for all 13 seasons as the program’s head coach. He surpassed 200 wins with South Carolina earlier this season.
The Gamecocks currently have two ranked singles players and one ranked doubles duo. Sarah Hamner is No. 15 while Kaitlyn Carnicella is No. 52. In doubles the pair earned a season high ranking of No. 12. For SEC post season awards announced last week, Hamner earned her fourth consecutive First Team All-SEC honor while Carnicella was named to the Second Team All-SEC.
Schedule
Friday, May 2
South Carolina vs. Kansas – 1:00 p.m.
North Carolina vs. VCU – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 3
Winner of match 1 vs. winner of match 2 – 4:00 p.m.
For all the latest South Carolina women’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockWTennis).
