Temple University Athletics
Temple Ranked Ninth in Final USFCA College Fencing Coaches' Poll
3.20.07 | Women's Fencing
March 20, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple fencing team, under the direction of 35th-year head coach Nikki Franke, have been ranked ninth in the final United States Fencing Coaches Association's (USFCA) poll of the 2006-07 campaign, announced the organization on Tuesday.
"It's been a very satisfying season with such a young team, and we are very pleased with how hard they've worked and how much they've improved," praised Franke of her Owls. "It wasn't always easy, but they were tough and learned to work together. This is why it's especially satisfying to finish the season ranked ninth in the country."
As the only coach in Temple's fencing history, Franke has several contributing competitors to acknowledge in her latest run. With the approaching NCAA Championships to be held at Drew University, junior sabreist Kristine Jones, freshman sabreist Christie Griffith and freshman folilist Melissa Parker will be making their first career finals appearances.
"Coach [Bradley] Baker and I are very pleased with the selection of Kristine, Christie and Melissa," commented Franke. "This is going to be a wonderful experience as it is the first NCAA finals for each of them."
In addition to the Temple trio headed to Madison, N.J. this weekend, a host of Cherry and White performers turned in brilliant seasons as Franke produced her career 33rd winning campaign. Freshman epeeist Kristin Howell turned in a 37-12 overall dual-meet mark while fellow classmate Lauren Baker produced a 39-6 record out of the sabre rotation.
Franke noted the leadership roles assumed by some of her fencers from a very young team.
"Our captain, Marla Nacey, and the squad leaders did a good job in helping everyone come together as the season progressed. With seven freshman and five sophomores, it took a while for them to get used to our system and expectations," asserted the Temple mentor. "We had a fantastic season, and with only four juniors and no seniors. The future is very bright and we are looking forward to 2007-08 already."
