Temple University Athletics
Saturday, October 28
Liacouras Center
All Day
Temple University
vs
Temple Open
Fencing to Host 38th Annual Temple Open at the Liacouras Center this Weekend
10.25.17 | Women's Fencing
PHILADELPHIA - The time has come once again for the annual Temple Fencing Open, which returns to main campus for a 38th year on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28-29 at the Liacouras Center. All the women's action will take place Saturday, with the Owls and over 30 other schools participating. For the full meet program, click HERE.
Temple head coach Dr. Nikki Franke, now in her 46th year at the helm, says there are a number of reasons why the meet retains its popularity year after year and is the largest collegiate individual meet in the country.
"It's the first meet of the season and it's an individual tournament, so I think schools really like coming to give their fencers that first competition where it's a good mix of strengths of the fencers that are there," she said. "It's a good way to judge where you are at this point of the season. Honestly, it's very well-run, so teams enjoy coming - even some from further away like Florida. It's something that year after year, teams look forward to. It's a lot of work, but it's nice hosting it for our team and having all those teams come to Temple."
The women's events will be held on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the men's events following the same schedule on Sunday. The entire event is free to fans.
Last year, the Owls had 10 finalists (top eight) overall with a win in foil and a runner-up finish in both epee and sabre. Sophomore Kennedy Lovelace returns after her second-place finish in foil a year ago, while junior Blessing Olaode took second in sabre last season. Junior Auset Muhammad tied for third in foil last year, while junior Jessica Rockford and sophomore Kerry Plunkett tied for third in sabre. Also tying for third a year ago was current senior and team captain Safa Ibrahim in epee.
The Temple Open is one of just two chances Owl fans have to see their team on campus. In late February, the Temple Invitational in McGonigle Hall will close out the regular season for the Owls.
Temple head coach Dr. Nikki Franke, now in her 46th year at the helm, says there are a number of reasons why the meet retains its popularity year after year and is the largest collegiate individual meet in the country.
"It's the first meet of the season and it's an individual tournament, so I think schools really like coming to give their fencers that first competition where it's a good mix of strengths of the fencers that are there," she said. "It's a good way to judge where you are at this point of the season. Honestly, it's very well-run, so teams enjoy coming - even some from further away like Florida. It's something that year after year, teams look forward to. It's a lot of work, but it's nice hosting it for our team and having all those teams come to Temple."
The women's events will be held on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the men's events following the same schedule on Sunday. The entire event is free to fans.
Last year, the Owls had 10 finalists (top eight) overall with a win in foil and a runner-up finish in both epee and sabre. Sophomore Kennedy Lovelace returns after her second-place finish in foil a year ago, while junior Blessing Olaode took second in sabre last season. Junior Auset Muhammad tied for third in foil last year, while junior Jessica Rockford and sophomore Kerry Plunkett tied for third in sabre. Also tying for third a year ago was current senior and team captain Safa Ibrahim in epee.
The Temple Open is one of just two chances Owl fans have to see their team on campus. In late February, the Temple Invitational in McGonigle Hall will close out the regular season for the Owls.
Players Mentioned
Epee
/ Women's Fencing
Foil
/ Women's Fencing
Foil
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
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