Was a David vs. Goliath analogy appropriate for the Penn men's and women's fencing teams as they entered the Penn State Invitational last Saturday? Not quite, but both teams had factors working against them heading into the meet.
Coach Dave Micahnik conceded that the talent they were facing was of a different caliber.
"I think we performed at our level for the most part," Micahnik said. "Penn State and Saint John's men and women both were simply better."
Against teams that give out fencing scholarships and have a mix of domestic and international competitors on their rosters, both the men and women managed to pull out 3-2 records on the day.
"You're never satisfied with 3-2, you want 5-0, but I . wasn't disappointed," Micahnik said.
Both the men and women's teams beat Haverford, North Carolina and Duke but lost to Penn State and St. John's.
"This weekend we faced two of the toughest teams that we will compete against all season," senior captain Katelyn Sherry said. "We knew going in that Penn State and Saint John's were going to be tough meets."
The men's team avenged last season's loss to North Carolina in grand style, making the Tar Heels look pedestrian in a 24-3 victory.
On the other hand, the men had a chance to take down the talented St. John's team, but could not pull off the victory in the last round, losing 12-15.
On the women's side, although the team had some excellent victories over difficult teams, it was not satisfied with its performances against Penn State and St. John's.
Coming off a 6-21 loss to Penn State and 10-17 loss to St. John's, Sherry said, "I don't think that we fenced to our potential, and those meets definitely could have been a lot closer."
Micahnik noted that there were a few athletes not performing up to their abilities and also said that he expected his women's epee team "to get themselves together again."
Looking forward, however, the road does not get any easier for the men or women.
After the MIT Multi Meet next Sunday, Ivy League matchups begin, with powerhouse teams such as Harvard and Columbia ahead.
"We will face comparable competition in the Ivy League," Sherry said. "We are without a doubt capable, and hopefully the matchups will be more in our favor."
With the road not getting any easier, the fencing teams trudge on.
One thing is for sure, though: They will be battle-tested.
