May 23, 2001

Howey-In-The-Hills, FL - University of Memphis Lady Tiger golfer Meaghan Francella, who battled lower back pain throughout the first round of the NCAA Women's Golf Championships, was forced to withdraw from the competition.

The true freshman from Port Chester, New York, had suffered with back spasms at the NCAA West Regional in Corvallis, Oregon but turned in one of the best scores by an individual whose team did not finish among the top eight. Francella's 222 (77-72-73) ranked her in a tie for 11th place.

However, the back and hip pain continued after the Regional and cut into Francella's practice time. After several heat treatments and doses of antiinflammatory medicines, she attempted to play in the NCAA Championships.

"I knew that she was in a great deal of pain", said Lady Tiger head coach Debby King. "Meaghan did everything she could to loosen up for the first round but you could tell that she was tight. She came to my room on Wednesday (May 23rd) morning and I could tell by the look in her eyes that she would be unable to play. I know that she will have this opportunity for three more years."

After an opening round of 85, Francella was unable to participate in the second round and returned home to New York.