The Penn cheerleader who was injured during Wednesday's basketball game at the Palestra is still in the hospital, but her condition is improving.
College junior Natalie Oshin, who fell while performing a stunt during the men's basketball game, is in stable condition at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to a HUP nurse.
Oshin was moved to the hospital's critical care unit yesterday, after spending the night in surgical intensive care. The nurse would give no further information about the nature of her injury.
"Natalie's very happy, and she appreciates everyone's support," said friend Dominique De Armond , who was by Oshin's side in the hospital last night.
The accident occurred with about 12 minutes remaining in the second half when the cheerleading squad was performing a routine on the sideline during a timeout.
As part of the performance, Oshin was lifted into the air and was supposed to be caught by a male member of the team.
What witnesses said appeared to be a miscommunication between the cheerleaders resulted in Oshin falling to the floor of the Palestra, hitting her head and neck near the Penn bench. She had seizures for about one minute.
Emergency medical responders immediately went into action, putting a brace around Oshin's neck and removing her on a backboard and stretcher around 9 p.m.
Because of the location of the cheerleaders and the presence of the La Salle cheerleaders still performing at the center of the court, it took much of the crowd of just under 5,000 several minutes to notice what had happened.
After about a five minute delay, play resumed.
Cheerleading coach John Ceralde did not return calls for comment.
Athletic Communications Director Mike Mahoney would not comment on Oshin's condition other than to confirm that the cheerleader was still at the hospital and in "good condition."
The other members of the cheerleading team had been asked not to reveal any information about the incident or Oshin's condition, and so far they have had very little contact with their teammate.
Only De Armond and one other close friend have been allowed to visit Oshin.
