Owls Return to Action Hosting Opening Day of Philadelphia Invitational

PHILADELPHIA – No. 12 Temple Fencing is set to kick off the Philadelphia Invitational on Friday, Jan. 16, at the Temple Student Pavilion. The three-day event marks the Owls' return to team competition after more than a month away following the winter break.

Temple will open the weekend with matchups against Lafayette, DIII Johns Hopkins, and UC San Diego. The first bout is slated to begin at 3 p.m.

The action continues Sunday as the Owls head across the city to the University of Pennsylvania for a full day of fencing. Temple will start the morning at 8:30 a.m. against Yale, then face Wagner, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Penn.

LAST TIME OUT

Earlier this month, four Owls represented Temple at USA Fencing's January North American Cup in Kansas City, Mo. (Jan. 9–11). Saberists Keely Carter and Reese Birnstill each went 3-3 in pool play, while epeeist Eliana Geva reached the round of 128 and Victoria Doroshkevich advanced to the round of 64.

Temple's most recent team appearance came at the Tradition Meet in Fairfield, Conn., on Dec. 6. The Owls turned in a strong 4-1 performance with victories over NYU, Vassar, NJIT, and host Sacred Heart.

INDIVIDUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Foilist Jara Del Cura led the way with a 10-3 mark, highlighted by perfect 3-0 efforts against both NJIT and Vassar.
Epeeist Grace Smith posted an impressive 7-4 record, including a crucial 2-0 decision versus Sacred Heart.
Saberist Samantha Nathanson paced the squad with a 5-4 finish.

UP NEXT

Following the Philadelphia Invitational, the Owls will return to competition on Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Penn State Invitational in University Park, Pa.