W. Fencing edges Temple, dominates Ivy foe Princeton

After many years, the paint on the walls of Weightman Hall is showing signs of wearing down.

But even after a long weekend of competition, the Penn women's fencing team showed no such signs.

The Quakers beat two traditional local rivals yesterday. First, they eked out a win against Temple, 14-13. In the second match, they crushed a talented Princeton squad 20-7.

Annika Eiremo, a sophomore sabre fencer, said the rivalry with Temple is "more historical than actual;" however, she referred to the Princeton rivalry as one that is alive and well.

Both matches were dominated by the performance of the sabre squad. The sabre-wielders carried the team on their backs all afternoon, trumping Temple by a score of 7-2 and cruising past Princeton 9-0.

Sophomores Cassandra Frey, Katelyn Sherry and Eiremo each won all three of their bouts in the sabre to lead the way to victory against the Tigers.

Frey also went 3-0 against Temple, but this time it was teammate Lauren Phillips who joined her in the ranks of the unbeaten.

The epees and foils only managed to break even for the day. Nevertheless, they both rebounded against Princeton (6-4, 1-2 Ivy), each fencing above .500 in the second match.

Trophies were awarded for both of today's matches. The Red and Blue (13-2, 1-2) earned the right to hold onto a miniature Liberty Bell after beating Temple (16-3). The plaque fittingly states "PENN -- Rules -- PHILADELPHIA".

Penn coach Dave Micahnik, along with his Temple counterpart, Nikki Franke, wanted to insure that everyone went home with something. However, the Quakers should feel glad that they escaped the ignominy of carrying home the second place trophy. Micahnik sarcastically described the antique spittoon as "feminine, delicate, and artistic."

However, the Quakers proved they rule more than Philadelphia, taking back the "Penn Women's Fencing Dual Meet Trophy" with their victory over Princeton. Since the inception of the award, an antique perfume bottle, the record between the rivals is 2-2. It was instituted in 2002, on the 50th anniversary of the male counterpart.

In addition, it was only appropriate that the match against Temple should be close. In one particularly exciting bout, freshman Zoya Abdikulova fought for an overtime victory in the foil. She scratched back from a three-point deficit to tie the bout in regulation with five seconds left.

Micahnik was very pleased with the results of the matches. He noted that Ivy League matches are always challenging.

Micahnik added that "Princeton is a pleasant, pleasant upset ... exhilarating."

Yesterday's meet was the last home meet of the season for the Red and Blue. It will travel next to Temple for a multi-meet on Saturday, where it will take on Columbia, Cornell, Penn State and Northwestern in addition to the host Owls.

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