W. Fencing's returns to action vs. three teams

The Penn women's fencing team will be making its 1997 debut by opening with three bouts against Fairleigh Dickinson, St. John's and Temple on Friday at 4 p.m. at Weightman Gymnasium. Penn fencing coach Dave Micahnik believes that the three matches will not only be a good experience for the predominantly new team. "It's like teaching baby eagles how to fly," said Micahnik of bringing his team into competition. "They're made to do it, and they will eventually become better." Micahnik believes that each one of the team members has to hit the apogee of her performance in order for the team to be successful. "No one or two people can carry the team. It is definitely going to take a formative effort," Micahnik said. The team has been training hard for this match and returned to campus a week early, training twice a day. "All of the teams we are fencing have already started their seasons, and this is our first match," Micahnik said. It was his hope that these training sessions would give the team members an opportunity to develop strong skills, while at the same time working to improve upon exposed imperfections. Starting will be Margo Katz, a freshman from Shore Hills, N.J. Katz fences foil, and while this is her first match as a Quaker, she will be attending the Junior Olympics in February. Heba Abdulla, a freshman from Fairlawn, N.J., is a veteran epee who has just this year switched to foil in order to better serve the needs of the team. She says that she is looking to excel in the match, adding "initially I was a little disappointed, but I am in the process of adapting well to the change." Pam Ritter and Rima Laham are both freshmen who are new to the sport. Cindy Kwan, the foil squad leader and a junior, expects to achieve a good record overall. Micahnik is hoping that the team goes in excited, aggressive and with force. He added that the teams Penn will meet on Friday are experienced. While he hopes Penn completes an undefeated season, he'll start with one match at a time.