Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Nguyen Ho
Fencing Finishes First Two Days of Four-Day January NAC
1.5.19 | Women's Fencing
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Highlighted by a 32nd-place showing from senior and team captain Blessing Olaode, Temple fencing saw some strong finishes at the January NAC over the first two days of the four-day meet taking place from January 4-7. Three of Temple's sabre fencers earned top 50 finishes in Division I women's sabre.
Meet Summary
> Olaode defeated the 12th seeded fencer (among 177) to get to the round of 64, and then earned a win over #76 seed Sarah Merza of Ohio State, the fifth-place finisher at the 2017 NCAA Championships. She ultimately lost in the round of 32 to Penn State All-American Jessica Russo, the 21st seed.
> Juniors Kerry Plunkett and Malia Hee placed 45th and 48th, respectively. Hee staged a big comeback after being down 8-2 in her last elimination bout, but ultimately lost 15-14 to the #11 seed.
> Senior Ally Micek was Temple's top fencer in epee, taking 69th place out of 182 competitors.
> The Owls' two freshmen competed in junior women's foil. Aryana Abtin was the top finisher in 79th place, narrowly losing 15-14 in her elimination bout.
Up Next
> Over the coming two days, Temple will compete in Division I Women's Foil as well as team events in all three weapons.
Quotable
> "Blessing's result is the best she's ever had, and it was a very exciting 15-14 win that got her into the round of 32. She fenced very well and very tough all day, and our sabre squad did really well. All in all, it was a good day, and we're really looking forward to the team competitions tomorrow." - Head Coach Dr. Nikki Franke
Full Results
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Meet Summary
> Olaode defeated the 12th seeded fencer (among 177) to get to the round of 64, and then earned a win over #76 seed Sarah Merza of Ohio State, the fifth-place finisher at the 2017 NCAA Championships. She ultimately lost in the round of 32 to Penn State All-American Jessica Russo, the 21st seed.
> Juniors Kerry Plunkett and Malia Hee placed 45th and 48th, respectively. Hee staged a big comeback after being down 8-2 in her last elimination bout, but ultimately lost 15-14 to the #11 seed.
> Senior Ally Micek was Temple's top fencer in epee, taking 69th place out of 182 competitors.
> The Owls' two freshmen competed in junior women's foil. Aryana Abtin was the top finisher in 79th place, narrowly losing 15-14 in her elimination bout.
Up Next
> Over the coming two days, Temple will compete in Division I Women's Foil as well as team events in all three weapons.
Quotable
> "Blessing's result is the best she's ever had, and it was a very exciting 15-14 win that got her into the round of 32. She fenced very well and very tough all day, and our sabre squad did really well. All in all, it was a good day, and we're really looking forward to the team competitions tomorrow." - Head Coach Dr. Nikki Franke
Full Results
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Players Mentioned
Foil
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
/ Women's Fencing
Epee
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
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