Monroe just misses All-American tournament, loses in three sets

TULSA, Okla.--Sophomore Shane Monroe is out of the qualifying tournament for the All-American by losing a hard fought three sets (6-2, 6-7, 2-6) to No. 5 Max de Vroome from USC today.

"Shane played a great match today and had some match-point opportunities in the tiebreaker that didn't go his way," BYU head coach Brad Pearce said. "Nevertheless, he had a terrific tournament, beating some very good players."

Monroe's loss today is in the third round, one round short of qualifying for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American tournament. Those players that win today will be added to the national draw, which begins tomorrow in Tulsa.

Monroe began his run for the All-American tournament by defeating LSU's Tam Trinh in the first round 6-2, 6-2, and continued by beating the University of Texas's George Goldhoff 6-1, 6-3. Both wins were considered upsets for the sophomore.

"He'll come back to Provo as a better player, and should have a lot of confidence going into our regional tournament next week in Albuquerque," Pearce said.

Monroe will be joining his teammates for the ITA Mountain Regional championships in Albuquerque. The tournament will be the next one for the Cougars, running from October 21 through the 24.

For complete results of the ITA All-American qualifier, visit http://www.itatennis.com/Events/ITANationalChampionships/MensAllAmerican.htm