Woke up yesterday to a gloomy misting morning. Which was enough to delay the nine o'clock matches to one o'clock. Natalie was second on, so she took court around two thirtyish. She and her opponent sat on the court for twenty minutes or so before the chair umpire decided to appear. The ladies began and good tennis was happening. Nat lost the first set. It was early in the second, when she finished a point and bent down to pick up a ball aaannnnnddddd.....pulled something in her back. Obviously hurting, she continued to tried to play. Wasn't very long before she requested the trainer to come to the court. After a medical time out Natalie began to play again. Wasn't too long before she decided she couldn't continue and retired.
Anyone that knows Nat, knows that she doesn't like to quit and in her eyes retiring is quitting. Her very high threshold for pain is a very dangerous thing, as many doctors have explained to us. As we all know, a back issue is a tricky thing. So, I was very happy when she decided to retire and I applauded her. Honestly this match nor any match is sooo important that you should risk further injury. Of course, Natalie was not a happy camper but I'm very thankful she did not stay out there.
Following the match the trainer worked on Natalie and then she had to be seen by the tournament doctor. Paperwork! Returned "home" for a long bath salt bath, then icing. She was feeling very good afterwards. So that is good! Later today, she will go to a local PT for treatment. Thank God for our housing mom, who happens to work there! Nat is hoping to play doubles tomorrow (Wednesday), if not then home it is.
Until we find out IF the lil yellow ball will bounce again in Rock Hill.....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!
