South Carolina women’s tennis achieved notable progress at the ITA Carolina Regional Championships, with four players reaching the singles round of 16 and one doubles team advancing in their bracket. Misa Malkin and Olympe Lancelot claimed an 8-5 victory over their Charleston Southern opponents to advance, setting up a matchup against Duke’s seventh-seeded team. In singles, top-seeded Sarah Hamner and junior Kaitlyn Carnicella both showcased strong performances, leading their team through the initial rounds.
- Four of five Gamecocks advanced in the main singles draw.
- Misa Malkin and Olympe Lancelot defeated Charleston Southern 8-5 in doubles.
- Sarah Hamner secured two straight victories, including a 6-3, 6-3 win over NC State’s Gabia Paskauskas.
Yes, But
Despite their successes, the Gamecocks faced setbacks as well, with Misa Malkin falling in singles and Hamner/Carnicella’s doubles team being eliminated in close matches. This duality highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and challenges they must overcome moving forward.
State of Play
- Hamner will compete against 9-16 seed Irina Balus from Duke in the next round.
- Carnicella faces Clemson’s Amelie Smejkalova, aiming for her best regional finish yet.
- Malkin and Lancelot’s performance in doubles showcases the team’s depth and resilience.
Looking ahead, the remaining Gamecocks will continue to battle through the bracket, with opportunities to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Success in upcoming matches could enhance their postseason aspirations significantly…