Temple University Athletics
Owls Anticipate Growth Over Next Few Years
11.14.00 | Women's Fencing
This season a new, young squad begins its fencing stint at Temple.
Along with the enthusiasm and determination of returning players, the
Owls expect a lot of growth over the next few years. "We will depend a
lot on our upperclassmen to share their knowledge, but everyone will be
expected to take on responsibility and set the tone for each other,"
coach Nikki Franke said.
Last season, both the foil and epee squads ended with a record of 20-4.
Both squads swept the NIWFA Championships for the fourth year in a row.
The sabre squad completed its first season with an 8-16 record. They
finished seventh in the NIWFA Championships.
"With the addition of eight newcomers, we are really excited about this
year," Franke said. "We are pleased with the strength of our schedule
and will be competing against a lot of strong schools. We have always
believed a strong schedule is very important for our success and the
best way to prepare for post-season play."
Foil
The three returning foilists who will anchor the squad are seniors
Jaime Beecher, Gina DeIeso and junior Stefanie Izzolino. Beecher and
DeIeso have qualified for the NCAA Championships the past three years
for the Owls. "I've come to depend on Stefanie and she has improved in
her consistency," Franke said. The foil squad will be the most
experienced of the three squads for the Owls. "With the addition of
freshmen Nerita Brumell who comes from the same high school as Jaime, we
expect very good skills in their first year."
Beecher finished with a 31-10 record last season. She finished second
in the NIWFA Championships, eighth in the NCAA Regional Tournament and
18th in the NCAA Championships. Beecher was the Temple Open Champion.
DeIeso completed last season with a 49-15 record. She finished eighth
at the NIWFA Championships, 10th at the NCAA Regional Tournament and
21st in the NCAA Championships.
Izzolino had a 48-18 record last season. She finished third in the
NIWFA Championships and 14th in the NCAA Regionals. Izzolino was the
NIWFA Christmas Invitational Tournament Champion and finished sixth at
the Temple Open.
Epee
The Owls lost most of their experience in the epee squad through the
graduation of Erica Wilder and Marta Knight. Junior Julia Korony is the
only member of the epee squad to return from last season. She qualified
for the NCAA Championships the past two years and finished 14th at
Nationals last year. "As the veteran of the group, she'll be looked upon
as a leader," coach Zoila Palacio said. Korony ended with a 57-12 record
last year and she is on track for a good record this season. Last season
Korony set a new individual school record for most victories in a season
with 57 and also had the highest winning percentage in school history,
.826.
Newcomers to the epee squad include Kristen Hachtmann, Sara Forsythe
and Stephanie Sargent. The three freshmen have high school fencing
experience and have been very successful, according to Palacio. "I
expect them to continue their success and I am really looking forward to
once they become adjusted to the college game," Palacio said. "As a
group they are very determined and extremely focused. We have a
tradition of excellence with Temple fencing and we intend to continue
that tradition this season."
Sabre
Sara Ironman, Nicole Macomber, Sakinah Shaahid, and Aziza Hassan will
lead the sabre squad this season. Ironman, a junior, ended last year
with a 33-33 record. She fenced epee as a freshman and sabre as a
sophomore. Sabre was a new weapon for her last year. She finished third
and earned All- Conference honors at the NIWFA Championships. "She
improved a lot and understands more now and will improve even more this
season," Palacio said. "Being the upperclassman, I expect her to lead
the squad."
Sophomore Nicole Macomber completed her first season of fencing last
year. She finished with a 27-39 record last season. Macomber was a
finalist at the NIWFA Christmas Invitational Tournament. "She is very
enthusiastic about this sport," Palacio said. "She attended a clinic
this summer which showed her enthusiasm. She will continue to improve
this year."
Shaahid and Hassan join the Temple fencing team for the first time this
year. They come with outstanding credentials, solid experience, are
aggressive and have a good work ethic, according to Palacio.
