Feb. 12, 2012
Durham, N.C.; - The Nittany Lion fencers headed to Durham, N.C. this weekend to compete in a two-day invitational held by Duke. Penn State walked away undefeated against UNC, Johns Hopkins, Air Force Academy, Brandies and Duke.
The men out fenced their competition in every weapon with the exception of Duke in the epee which they dropped 3-6. However, the team went on to beat Duke 17-10. They defeated UNC 18-9, Johns Hopkins 20-7, Air Force Academy 16-11 and Brandies 19-8.
The women found similar success going undefeated, as a team, in every weapon against their opponents. The team out fenced the Air Force Academy 25-2, propelled by two 9-0 performances from both the foil and epee fencers. Finding just as much success against Brandies, Duke and UNC who they beat 20-7, 18-9 and 21-6, respectively.
Team captain Aleksander Ochocki and senior Monica Aksamit both had outstanding weekends. Ochocki finished 8-1 in the men's saber while Monica Aksamit went 7-1 in the women's saber. Individual performances such as these are what have helped Penn State find such great success this year.
Coach Kaidanov is hoping to lead Penn State to a 13th National Championship this March which would be the teams third in four years.
Next up select members of the team will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah to compete in the Junior Olympics. The event will span four days, Feb. 17-20. Action will start at 8 a.m. Results will be posted on gopsusports.com