June 7, 2007

Sacramento, Calif. - Memphis freshman Steffen Nerdal struggled Wednesday in his first NCAA Championship appearance, as he was unable to advance to the finals of the men's hammer throw. Senior Gail Lee will look to turn Memphis' fortunes as she competes in the women's shot put on Thursday.

Nerdal was unable to come close to his personal best and school record distance of 211-10, producing a mark of only 199-11 on Wednesday. In his first season with the Tigers, Nerdal smashed the school hammer record and came away the Conference USA Outdoor Championship in the event.

Lee is set to compete at 9:00 p.m (CST) Thursday. After winning the NCAA Mideast Regional, the two-time All-American is expected to finish near the top of the this year's competitors in the shot put at the national level.