Oct. 9, 2004

Chattanooga, Tenn. - Junior Pedro Rico's bid for the ITA All-American Championship fell just two matches short, as he was eliminated from play Saturday morning by top-ranked Catalin Gard, 6-4, 6-0.

Rico, who ousted Gard in the first round of last year's NCAA Championships could not make it two in row against the Ole Miss senior.

Rico's week in Chattanooga was far more intense than his opponent's as he competed in doubles competition as well as being the fifth seed in the main singles draw. The quarterfinals match was Rico's ninth match of the week, as opposed just Gard's fourth.

Rico and the Waves next take to the courts Sunday, October 17 at the Midland Collegiate Classic in Midland, Texas.