May 26, 2004

SAN DIEGO - San Diego State senior Felix Hardt was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Singles Championship by Georgia's Bo Hodge, 6-4, 7-6, on Wednesday afternoon in Tulsa, Okla.

Hardt, ranked 40th nationally, ends his senior campaign with a 19-11 overall record, including a 13-6 mark in dual competition this spring. He earned his third all-conference singles honor this past season after playing the number one position for the Aztecs in 19 of 20 matches this season. A native of Allensbach, Germany, Hardt owns 12 victories over players currently ranked in the ITA singles poll.

Hodge, ranked 14th nationally and seeded 9-16, advances to face Andreas Laulund of Virginia Tech in the round of 32 on Thursday.

This marked the sixth consecutive season that a San Diego State player has earned a spot in the NCAA field. Last season, five-time All-American Oliver Maiberger advanced to the round of 16 before being eliminated in three sets by Rameez Junaid of Auburn 3-6, 6-1, 7-6.

The singles championship runs through May 31.