chaThe University of Minnesota women's tennis team continued action today at the Rice Tennis Classis in Houston, Texas. Two Gophers will go for a third-place singles finish, while two duos go for the championship tomorrow afternoon.

In Flight A competition, Valerie Vladea defeated Glja Geme of Arkansas State 7-5, 1-6, 7-5, but fell short to Sarah Borwell (unattached),6-2, 6-2 Saturday afternoon. Vladea will play again Sunday against Jeri Gonzales of Rice at 10:00a.m.

In Flight B action, Brandi Watts won her first match of the day defeating Megan Ferreira of Arkansas, but fell short to another Razorback Iliana Pacheco 6-3, 6-3. Watts will look to finish third at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Ruckert and Grasic of Texas will face Valerie Vladea and Michaela Havelkova in the finals, who won 8-4 over Rice's Gonzales and Fisher in the semifinals. Also competing in the championships are Kelly Perry and Cici Anderson where they face Arkansas State's Magul Cibilis and Marusa Pogacnik. Both of the doubles action are scheduled for a noon start.

Next action for the Gophers will be the ITA Regional Qualifier Oct. 27-30.