Women's fencing battles best in region at Penn State Invitational

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - The Haverford College women's fencing team completed a grueling competition stretch of back-to-back weekends filled with primarily Division I opponents as it took part in the Penn State Invitational on Saturday. Haverford, despite its best efforts, suffered losses to Duke, North Carolina, Penn State, Penn, and Temple. Yet the day proved valuable on an individual level as several fencers won victories that will help their seeding for NCAA regional competition in March.

Leading the Fords in victories was sophomore foilist Katie Elbert who tallied a 9-6 record on the day. Elbert, posting wins against starters from every opponent, secured a high seeding for NCAA regional action.

The epee squad put forth a strong, united effort as it garnered 12 total wins on the day, six of which were contributed by sophomore Anjali Baliga. Freshman Elizabeth Peters showed tremendous improvement as she kicked in four high-quality wins, while sophomore Sarah Sofia managed to pick up victories in two hard-fought bouts.

The sabrists experienced similar success as sophomore Shannon Horn racked up six of the squad's 11 total wins. Junior Francesca Behling chipped in with four wins and senior Kayla Feldman added another to help the cause.

Haverford heads to Brandeis University this Saturday for the Sollee Invitational. The Fords will face off against the host squad as well as teams from MIT, Boston College, Tufts, and NYU.

Duke def. Haverford, 20-7
Foil: 7-2
Epee: 5-4
Sabre: 8-1

UNC def. Haverford, 18- 9
F: 6-3
E: 7-2
S: 5-4

Penn State def. Haverford, 23-4
F: 8-1
E: 8-1
S: 7-2

Penn def. Haverford, 23-4
F: 8-1
E: 6-3
S: 8-1

Temple def. Haverford, 20-7
F: 7-2
E: 7-2
S: 6-3