Over a four day meet at the January North American Cup, Temple had mixed results.
The competition, which featured both Division I and junior (under 20) competitions for each weapon, was a test for the Owls and was a chance for the team to face quality opponents.
“I think everyone felt they could have done better,” coach Nikki Franke said. “It was a very strong competition. You had all the top fencers from all around the country…the experience was helpful in helping us continue to get ready for the season. So it was a good tournament for us to be at.”
Sophomore sabre Petra Kahn had the highest finish for the Owls. She finished 20th out of 92 fencers in the Junior Women’s sabre. Freshman Victoria Suber finished 54th in the same group.
The Owl’s epee team had a strong day. Freshman Alexandra Keft finished 22nd out of 120 fencers in the junior women’s epee. The Owls had three other Top 100 finishers in the grouping. Freshman Rachael Clark finished 67th, sophomore Jessica Hall finished 94th and freshman Noelle Baptiste finished 98th.
In Division I Women’s epee, senior Chantal Montrose finished 38 out of 132 fencers. Baptiste also recorded a Top 50 finish, as she came in 42nd place. Keft and Clark finished 64th and 70th respectively.
“They are a young epee group and so they are growing and learning together, which has been nice to see. They are very solid across the board and they will continue to improve.”
Fatima Largaespada finished 33rd out of 120 fencers in junior women’s foil. Largaespada was undefeated coming out of pool play. Also in the competition, freshman Miranda Litzinger finished tied for 84th.
Junior Tiki Kastor, who was also undefeated in pool play, finished 34th out of 108 fencers in Division I women’s sabre. Senior Tasia Ford finished 43rd while junior Lauren Rangel- Freidman finished tied for 85th.
“The strength of this tournament is what the postseason is going to be like,” Franke said. “So it definitely is an investment preparing us for the postseason.”
The Owls next meet is next weekend at Penn, where they will be participating in the Philadelphia Invitation on Jan. 26.
“We fence some strong schools…it’s going to be another good day of fencing and what I’m looking for is continued improvement,” Franke said.
Michael Guise can be reached at michael.guise@temple.edu or on Twitter @MikeG2511.
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