Temple University Athletics
Owls Finish 6-1 at Philadelphia Invitational
1.21.07 | Women's Fencing
Jan. 21, 2007
HAVERFORD, PA - No. 9 Temple (USFCA) women's fencing team posted a 6-1 mark Saturday at the Philadelphia Invitational held at Haverford College. Freshman Kristin Howell (11-1) and junior Marla Nacey (7-4) led the charge for the Cherry and White epee line-up that went undefeated.
In the squad's first dual-meet of the season, 35th-year head coach Nikki Franke praised her team's steady development throughout the day, as well as their ability to alter their approach with different opponents.
"The team fenced better and better as the day progressed," added Franke. "There was definite improvement in their fencing and their ability to adapt quickly to what their opponents were doing."
En route to the 6-1 finish, the Owls downed Haverford (21-6), Cornell (18-9), Rutgers (19-8), Vassar (24-3), Sacred Heart (20-7) and Duke (18-9). The Cherry and White's lone loss of the day came at the hands of cross-city rival Penn (12-15).
Joining Howell and Nacey on the unblemished epee roster were junior Brianna Ferarra (8-6) and sophomores Melissa Forsythe (9-6) and Kaitlyn Uckert (6-5).
Suffering just one loss in competition, Franke's foilist line-up was led by freshmen Abigail Schifferle (9-1), Meredith Bratton (9-1) and junior Samantha Myles (8-2). Freshman Melissa Parker (8-3) and sophomores Nina Gernes (8-2) and Sabrina Shapiro (7-2) also turned in contributing performances.
The Cherry and White sabreist were led by sophomore Ashlee Phillips (10-4) and freshman Christie Griffith (11-2). Freshman Lauren Baker (4-7), junior Kristine Jones (9-5) and freshman Sara Haase (6-5) rounded out the Owls' sabre line-up.
In hopes of building off the Philadelphia Invitational's momentum, the Owls return to action Saturday, January 27 in State College, Pa. for the Penn State Open. Franke and the Cherry and White look forward to meeting some of the best talent in the country.
"We look forward to getting back to work this week to prepare for a very strong meet next weekend at Penn State," commented Franke. "Next weekend, we will fence three of the top 10 school in the country in #1 Penn State, T-#6 Ohio State and T-#6 St. John's."
