Fencers see mixed results

Disappointment was tempered by hope for quick redemption for the Penn men's fencing team, while the women's squad confidently made the first official meet of the season a clean sweep Saturday at Weightman Hall. The women knocked off highly regarded St. John's and All-American Regina Moroney, 17-15, and in easier fashion disposed of New York University and Haverford in the four-team event. Although graduation stole valuable fencers from last year's team, new talent has kept the Quakers on the winning track. This weekend's effort was extremely balanced, with both newcomers and veterans contributing to the victory. Penn believes its talent must make up for what may be perceived as inexperience. That was evidenced Saturday by freshman Olivia Leon's performance -- she won all but one of her bouts. "We put our faith in her in the starting spot," co-captain Megumi Sakae said, "and she really proved herself." The win was welcome confirmation that this team is indeed among the top. "The women did a really great job," coach Dave Micahnik. "All the starters in epee and foil fenced very well. St. John's is tough on the top but thin on the bottom. We are slightly deeper than our opponents and that made the difference." · The men's team did not share the women's victorious fate against the Red Storm and NYU, finishing the day 1-2. Several top members suffered frustrating days. One exception to the sub-par performances was the emergence of freshman sabrer John Demas. Trying to assert himself for the Quakers, whose lineup is still uncertain except for All-American George Kalmar, Demas went 5-3 individually and earned the respect of his peers and coach. "I was very pleased with how he fared against the stronger teams," Micahnik said. "We need that from our sabre squad." Even though the meet did not involve Ivy League foes, the two losses were painful. St. John's and NYU are rivals which always give the Quakers a tough time. This type of performance in the early stages of a brief, compact schedule is always an unwelcome sign. "This season is so short that we can't afford to not play up to our potential at any time," coach Dave Micahnik said. "Every team this year is so tough we must get on a hot streak entering the season." A small spark was possibly ignited in Penn's easy defeat of Haverford. It seemed to help the Quakers restore faith in the belief that none of their problems are insurmountable. They can hopefully be solved by a dedicated week of practice leading up to Thursday's meet at Rutgers. "This meet is a good measurement of where we are against the top teams," captain Edward Skyler said. "Hopefully we can spot our weaknesses and improve upon them for our upcoming meets." Still, if the Quakers want to reach top form before the all-important Ancient Eight season begins, they must work quickly. Yale and Brown await next Saturday. "Everyone must step up now and just fence to the best of their abilities," Micahnik said.