PROVO (September 16, 2004) BYU dominated the first round of Cougar Invitational today. All but two of its players advanced in the tournament. Of the sixteen singles matches BYU played today, only two matches went three rounds.
Chip Hand, the number one seed in the tournament, came out on fire as he won his first match 6-2; 6-2 and the other 6-3; 6-2. Nima Roshan also played well winning 6-4; 7-6.
Also impressive was the play of highly recruited freshman Shane LaPorte, and Zach Warren. Both players won their first matches with no opposing player scoring more than three points in a match. Warren later bowed out to teammate Jeff Das as he advances. Transfer James Ludlow proved to be a good addition to the team as he swept Utah State's Dantley Young in straight matches.
The quarterfinals start Friday at 10:00 with the semifinals starting later in the afternoon at 1:00 pm.