Temple University Athletics
Women's Fencing Finishes 4-1 at Philadelphia Invitational
1.12.09 | Women's Fencing
Jan. 12, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - The Temple women's fencing team opened up the 2009 dual competition season with an impressive 4-1 record at the Philadelphia Invitational Multi-Meet from the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday, January 10th. Leading the way for the Owls was junior Melissa Parker. Competing aainst some of the nation's elite fencers, Parker finished a spectacular 12-0 for the foil squad.
On the day, the Owls (4-1) topped North Carolina (19-8), Drew (24-3), Sacred Heart (22-5) and Duke (17-10). The Cherry and White's lone loss on the day come at the hands of nation powerhouse Northwestern (14-13).
Against regional rival North Carolina, the Owls were led by an 8-1 effort from the epee squad to defeat
the Tar Heels. Foil recorded a 7-2 result, while sabre was narrowly defeated 4-5.
Against Drew University and Sacret Heart, all three squads performed in dominating fashion. Against Drew, the foil shut out the Rangers 9-0, sabre won 8-1, and epee 7-2 for an overall meet score of 24-3. Against Sacred Heart, the Cherry and White were led by 8-1 scoresfrom sabre and foil and a 6-3 win by epee.
Temple faced off against perennial national powerhouseNorthwestern in the closest meet of the day. A 6-3 win from the sabre squad was not quite enough as the Owls fell just short, losing a nail-biting 13-14 decision. Foil fell 4-5, while epee was defeated 3-6.
The day concluded with a meet against Duke as the Owls got back on the winning track with a 17-10 victory. Epee lifted the team witha 9-0 result, while foil and sabre each fell 4-5.
Along with Parker's 12-0 performance, freshman Cara Taggersell went 6-3 and senior squad leader Sabrina Shapiro posted a 5-4 to lead the squad. Freshmen Danielle Jones and Nicola Horscroft each finished at 3-1, while sophomore Rebecca Lehrman went 3-4.
In epee, the Owls were led by freshman Jillian Bratton, who finished the day a perfect 9-0. Junior Kristin Howell finished the day at 9-1, while sophomore Grace Wu was 7-3 and senior squad leader Kaitlyn Uckert went 5-3. Sophomore Alyssa Lombardi posted a 4-5 record for the day.
Sabre featured yet another perfect performance, this time from sophomore Sam Pascarelli, who went 5-0. Junior Christie Griffith went 8-4, freshman Kamali Thompson went 8-3, and sophomore Audrey Barroso finished at 7-3. Senior squad leader Kristine Jones finished the day at 2-5.
The Owls will take flight for the US Fencing North American Cup tournament in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday, January 16th through the 19th.
