Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Jake Hutchinson
Different Year, Same Result as Temple Fencing Continues its Winning Ways
3.26.21 | Women's Fencing
In a year when so much was different for all of college athletics as well as the entire world, Temple University fencing continued its normal trajectory – winning.
Under the direction of legendary head coach Dr. Nikki Franke, who started her Hall of Fame career with the program's initial season in 1972, the Owls not only won but set a record for most NCAA qualifiers this season.
"We are so grateful to most importantly get through this season, and to finish where we are – in the NCAAs," said Franke, who has amassed over 800 wins in her career. "We have a very young team, and we stressed being positive throughout the year. We had some bumps along the way, but we overcame them due to hard work and dedication. I am so very proud of how our young ladies handled everything."
Senior Eva Hinds, who qualified in sabre for the first time in her career, echoed Coach Franke's sentiment.
"I'm very proud of the team and myself for making it this far," said Hinds. "Personally, I have been wanting this since my freshman year and I've been so close for so long. It's amazing that we're here together."
Getting to compete in the NCAA Championship has been a goal for many of the fencers, and going with their teammates is a moment that is not lost on them.
"It is very thrilling. I feel really lucky to be a part of such an amazing team," said freshman Elizabeth Novoseltseva, who capped her debut season with an NCAA berth in foil.
"We gave our best and I think it showed in how many people qualified," said sophomore epeeist Margherita Calderaro, the lone returning qualifier.
The 2021 regular season was not without its difficulties, but the fencers were up for the challenge.
"We all have worked so hard and I'm glad it's paying off," said sophomore Sarah Park, who will be competing in epee.
Having multiple teammates in the NCAA Championship is a strength that the team feels will help them individually.
"It's incredible that I have so many teammates here with me. I'm proud of all of them for making it, but I'm also very happy that we can be cheering for each other," said Hinds. "Support is one of the team's strongest weapons so having so many fencers qualify is a great thing."
"It's comforting because it's the first time for all of us, so we are all experiencing this together and we can all be there for each other. We are basically family," said Novoseltseva.
With the tournament being held this weekend at Penn State (March 27-28), the fencers are reminiscing on what it took to get there.
"I'm really grateful for the season I have been able to have. I appreciate all the support we have received," said sophomore saberist Zoe Turner.
"I am pleased and grateful to qualify with my teammates," added Park.
Temple, which had its 2020 season end just before the NCAA Championship due to the Covid-19 pandemic, clearly has so much to be grateful for in 2021.
Under the direction of legendary head coach Dr. Nikki Franke, who started her Hall of Fame career with the program's initial season in 1972, the Owls not only won but set a record for most NCAA qualifiers this season.
"We are so grateful to most importantly get through this season, and to finish where we are – in the NCAAs," said Franke, who has amassed over 800 wins in her career. "We have a very young team, and we stressed being positive throughout the year. We had some bumps along the way, but we overcame them due to hard work and dedication. I am so very proud of how our young ladies handled everything."
Senior Eva Hinds, who qualified in sabre for the first time in her career, echoed Coach Franke's sentiment.
"I'm very proud of the team and myself for making it this far," said Hinds. "Personally, I have been wanting this since my freshman year and I've been so close for so long. It's amazing that we're here together."
Getting to compete in the NCAA Championship has been a goal for many of the fencers, and going with their teammates is a moment that is not lost on them.
"It is very thrilling. I feel really lucky to be a part of such an amazing team," said freshman Elizabeth Novoseltseva, who capped her debut season with an NCAA berth in foil.
"We gave our best and I think it showed in how many people qualified," said sophomore epeeist Margherita Calderaro, the lone returning qualifier.
The 2021 regular season was not without its difficulties, but the fencers were up for the challenge.
"We all have worked so hard and I'm glad it's paying off," said sophomore Sarah Park, who will be competing in epee.
Having multiple teammates in the NCAA Championship is a strength that the team feels will help them individually.
"It's incredible that I have so many teammates here with me. I'm proud of all of them for making it, but I'm also very happy that we can be cheering for each other," said Hinds. "Support is one of the team's strongest weapons so having so many fencers qualify is a great thing."
"It's comforting because it's the first time for all of us, so we are all experiencing this together and we can all be there for each other. We are basically family," said Novoseltseva.
With the tournament being held this weekend at Penn State (March 27-28), the fencers are reminiscing on what it took to get there.
"I'm really grateful for the season I have been able to have. I appreciate all the support we have received," said sophomore saberist Zoe Turner.
"I am pleased and grateful to qualify with my teammates," added Park.
Temple, which had its 2020 season end just before the NCAA Championship due to the Covid-19 pandemic, clearly has so much to be grateful for in 2021.
Players Mentioned
Epee
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
/ Women's Fencing
Foil
/ Women's Fencing
Epee
/ Women's Fencing
Sabre
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