Live stats for this weekend's action can be found here: http://livestats.athletics.psu.edu/fencing/GarretOpen2018/index.htm
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State women's fencing team kicked off the Garret Open today, Nov. 3, in the White Building. Head Coach Wes Glon's saber and foil squads impressed in day one combining for four top ten finishes.
The foil was the first weapon contested on day one of the two-day event. Lodovica Bicego (Vicenza, Italy) was the first on the day to reach the direct elimination rounds and finished in 13th place. Following close behind Bicego were teammates Najiyyah Clark (Maplewood, N.J.) and Isabella Zuzulo (Newtown, Pa.) who tied for 21st place.
Following foil was epee, which had two Nittany Lions finish in the top ten. Anastasia Kalonji (Rennes, France) led the team with her third-place finish with Barbara VanBenthuysen (Spring, Texas) adding another top ten of her own by placing seventh. Falling just short of direct eliminations were Medora McCarthy (Los Altos Hills, Calif.), Hailey Hahn (Berdnardsville, N.J.), and Alexandra Gillis (Dix Hills, N.Y), who placed 21st, 22nd, and 23rd respectively.
The saber was the last weapon contest on day one. Karen Chang (Hong Kong, China) was the first Nittany Lion to make it to a championship round, thanks to a win over last year's Garret Open champion and teammate, Zara Moss (Cranberry Township, Pa.), who placed eighth. Chang finished the tournament second after falling to Temple's Malia Hee.
The Garret Open continues tomorrow with the men's fencing team starting at 8:30 am with foil and epee.
After this weekend's action in State College, select Penn State fencers will participate in the Junior/Cadet/Y-14 NAC event that starts Friday, Nov. 9, through Monday, Nov. 12. Fans can keep up with Penn State Fencing at GoPSUsports.com. Follow the team on Facebook at Penn State Fencing and on Twitter @pennstateFEN.