Seven Semifinalists Highlight NCAA Regional for Fencing

Saturday, March 11

Easton, Pa.

All Day

Temple University

NCAA Regional Championships

Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

Seven Semifinalists Highlight NCAA Regional for Fencing

3.11.17 | Women's Fencing

EASTON, Pa. - Seven top-18 finishes and one in the top 10 were the highlight of the day for sixth-ranked Temple fencing at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional. The Owls had no automatic qualifiers, but should have some names on the list when the NCAA announces its championship selections on March 14.

Temple, despite a record-setting season as a team, did not have as many individuals place well at the regional meet as the Owls typically have in the past. Temple head coach Dr. Nikki Franke said it was not for lack of effort, and that the team's youth is an obstacle in such a competitive meet.

"This is just such a strong tournament," she said. "The girls fought and did all they could do. It's just about consistency and mental toughness and being able to keep working for every touch. That's something that the underclassmen see now, what it's all about. We gained more experience that will only help us as we move forward, and we'll definitely be better prepared in the future. For all those who made the finals (top 12), that was a very strong result for them and we're looking to have some qualify for the NCAA Championships."

Junior Safa Ibrahim was Temple's top finisher, advancing to the finals in epee and placing eighth overall. Teammate and sophomore Quinn Duwelius was also a finalist, placing 12th.

Temple had four finalists overall, with one in foil and one in sabre in addition to the two in epee. Freshman Kennedy Lovelace made an appearance in the finals in her first season, placing 11th, as did freshman Kerry Plunkett in sabre with an identical finish of 11th.

The epee squad had all four of its fencers place in the top 20, with sophomore Ally Micek taking 14th and senior Alexandra Keft placing 15th.

Sophomore Blessing Olaode finished 15th in sabre, with senior Victoria Suber close behind in 19th place. Freshman Malia Hee tied for 21st, while sophomore Jessica Rockford placed 34th.

For the foil squad, in addition to Lovelace's 11th place finish, the Owls had sophomore Auset Muhammad place 23rd and senior Kristen Kemnitzer place 31st.

The qualification for the NCAA Championship is based on a formula comprising a 60 percent weight on regional performance and 40 percent on regular-season meets. Regional champions for each weapon automatically advance, with remaining bids going to fencers based on performance and the region they compete in.

The NCAA selections will be announced March 14, with the championship meet set for March 25-26 in Indianapolis.