March 12, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; March 12, 2011 - The Nittany Lions will send 11 fencers into action March 24-27, for the 2011 NCAA Fencing Championships. The men's and women's teams both had standout performances at the Mid-Atlantic/South Regionals which acts as a qualifier for the national tournament.
The men's foil team had an outstanding showing with all five of their competitors appearing in the top ten. Miles Chamley-Watson took first in the event followed by Daniel Gomez in second. Sophomore David Willette placed fourth with Jeremy Goldstein and Michael El-Saleh coming in sixth and seventh, respectively. All five men won a spot to compete in the Nationals Competition.
Captain Doris Willette took first in the women's foil putting her on the road to reclaim the National Title she won in 2009. Olga Ostatnigrosh placed tenth but was unable to secure a definite ride to the NCAA Championship.
After having a bye in the first round Monika Aksamit went on to claim second in the women's sabre. Nicole Glon also received a bye and tied for fifth. Both Aksamit and Glon will be competing in the NCAA championship.
Captain Aleksander Ochocki took first and won the opportunity to compete. The junior is looking to capture his second National Title, the first of which was won as a freshman in 2009. Teammate Adrian Bak placed third and will join Ochocki at Nationals.
In the men's epee Anthony Green took fifth while teammate Samuel Larsen placed ninth. Green was able to place high enough to guarantee him a spot at Nationals. Despite a great effort, Larsen was unable to qualify.
Both Margherita Guzzi-Vincenti and teammate Alyssa Vongreis had byes in the first round of the women's epee. Defending National Champion Guzzi took third while Vongreis placed ninth. Whether or not Vongreis will make it to the National Competition is still pending.
The Nittany Lions are hoping to win a third consecutive national title. A win at Nationals would give the Penn State fencers their 13th national title in the programs history.
The NCAA Championship will span over four days starting March 24 in Columbus, Ohio.