April 23, 2003

Junior catcher Michael Joyce has been in severe pain from back spasms for the past three weeks. The Panthers have started freshman Thomas Cali behind the plate in the interm, with junior Casey Twibell in relief.

Joyce says that the pain in his back has been so severe that he has trouble walking or even sleeping. The injury that he sustained has been severe lower back spasms in his lower lumbar area and he is currently in rehab.

When asked about the severity of his injury, Joyce said "The pain in my back is very bad. I want to be in the line up, but the pain of twisting and squatting behind the plate is tremendous. With the medication that I am on, and the rehab I hope to be back soon."

The Panthers have had 32 stolen bases out of 35 attempts against them without Joyce behind the plate.