Temple University Athletics
Fencing Set To Start 2009-10 Campaign
10.22.09 | Women's Fencing
Owls return 12 letterwinners, including two All-Americans to 2009-10 team
PHILADELPHIA – Currently in preparations for the start of the 2009-10 season, the Temple Women's Fencing team is gearing up to host the 30th Annual Collegiate Open on October 31st and November 1st at McGonigle Hall.
The six-weapon event will kickoff what the Cherry and White hopes to be another very successful season. Last year, rising senior Kristin Howell took home the title in the epee, and looks to do just that this time around.
Howell returns as team captain, and as one of three seniors highlighting a very deep and talented Temple team. She and classmate Melissa Parker both garnered All-America honors a year ago, recognition each have received at least once before. Rounding out the senior class is Christie Griffith, a seventh place finisher at the NCAA Regionals last season.
Having five NCAA National selections returning, Hall of Fame head coach Nikki Franke and the Owls have their sights set higher than ever.
“We are definitely deeper this year as a team and we have consistently finished in the top 10,” said Franke. “The team this year wants to earn a top five ranking, and I think that's an attainable goal if we improve the way we need to. Definitely finishing in the top five and improving on our finish from last year is a realistic goal. The addition of our newcomers will help make this possible. They add more depth to our team and will make us stronger as everyone pushes each other to improve.”
This season, the Cherry and White will be competing at the friendly confines of McGonigle Hall twice; once to open the season, and again when they host the Temple Invitational on February 27.
The six-weapon event will kickoff what the Cherry and White hopes to be another very successful season. Last year, rising senior Kristin Howell took home the title in the epee, and looks to do just that this time around.
Howell returns as team captain, and as one of three seniors highlighting a very deep and talented Temple team. She and classmate Melissa Parker both garnered All-America honors a year ago, recognition each have received at least once before. Rounding out the senior class is Christie Griffith, a seventh place finisher at the NCAA Regionals last season.
Having five NCAA National selections returning, Hall of Fame head coach Nikki Franke and the Owls have their sights set higher than ever.
“We are definitely deeper this year as a team and we have consistently finished in the top 10,” said Franke. “The team this year wants to earn a top five ranking, and I think that's an attainable goal if we improve the way we need to. Definitely finishing in the top five and improving on our finish from last year is a realistic goal. The addition of our newcomers will help make this possible. They add more depth to our team and will make us stronger as everyone pushes each other to improve.”
This season, the Cherry and White will be competing at the friendly confines of McGonigle Hall twice; once to open the season, and again when they host the Temple Invitational on February 27.
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