Fencers are ready

They have found themselves on the middle rung of a ladder leaning against the national championship, and they've had to balance there for three weeks now. They had been steadily climbing with a nearly undefeated season and an Ivy title at their side. Lately, they took a few more steps when seniors Anne Gaeta and Rachel Iannacone were named to the first-team all-Ivy squad. But with their latest match nearly three weeks ago, a pummeling of then-defending title holder Columbia, the members of the Penn women's fencing team need to bring it all back together for regionals this weekend at Penn State. Only then will they get a chance to face the perennial national powerhouses, one of the Quakers' ultimate goals. Although a national title isn't probable, Penn's ascent lately has proven it's possible. The Quakers come into the weekend seeded third in an eastern regional pool of eight squads. Only Penn State, a team Penn was denied a chance to fence earlier in the season due to weather conditions, and Temple, a match which was fenced down to the final bout but resulted in favor of the Owls, are ranked higher. "We really want to beat Temple," Iannacone said. "We could have won in the regular season but I think it was too early for us. Now we're ready." But there is more than revenge fueling the Quakers' confidence. Their early season troubles finding a steady fourth position have subsided, as junior Inca Chui has stepped in and performed on a consistent basis. Though she's been down with a stomach flu that has not allowed her to practice lately, Chui saw some action Wednesday in a few training bouts and looks to be healthy and focused. And with this combination of vengeance and new-found consistency, coupled with both experience and young talent filling out the roster, the top of the ladder is no longer so high. "We want to place high and shake hands," Penn coach Dave Micahnik said. "Then we'll concentrate on nationals." While team competition is primary in the minds of the Quakers, each will have a chance to show her own strengths in the individual events Sunday. Gaeta and Iannacone, both veterans of the individual NCAAs, as well as Chui and sophomores Megumi Sakae and Sarah Johns have qualified in the tournament that sends its 12 best to the national meet. "I'm trying not to think about it," Iannacone said. "I just want to go to fence. There aren't many more opportunities for me to compete." But beyond individual or team titles, the squad wants to be competitive on a level with the best in the country. The Quakers have defeated some noteworthy teams so far, but gaining real respect, and possibly admiration, from such powerhouses as Penn State is what is at stake for Penn this time around. "We need to face the really strong teams as any opponent, not like we don't have a chance," Iannacone said. "That attitude gets you down. They're beatable." So while they know they're the best in the Ivies, it has not been the culminating point of their season. It's only a rung, though a pretty high one, on a ladder that leads to the NCAA tournament. So far the Quakers have moved steadily, and have found no reason for a change in progress.