Nov. 22, 2014
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The University of Notre Dame fencing team traveled to Penn State University for the Penn State Open, and started the weekend on top with three, top-three finishes in the women’s competition. Sabreuse Allison Barry, epeeist Catherine Lee and foilist Nicole McKee all contributed strong performances for the Irish.
“This is a competition to test the kids who are on the verge of breaking in to the NCAA roster,” associate head coach Gia Kvaratskhelia says. “With many of our international stars away competing, this competition is an excellent chance for others to step up and shine.”
In women’s sabre, Barry clinched a third-place tie with Pennsylvania’s Dana Kong. Other Irish sabreists in action were Madeline Gallagher (seventh), Jamie Norville (eighth), Johanna Thill (16th) and Claudia Kulmacz (T-26th).
In epee, Lee faltered against Ohio State’s Eugenia Falqui in the final bout. Other top finishers for the Irish were Eva Niklinska (eighth), Marie-Anne Roche (T-12th) and Katherine Clarke (15th).
In foil, despite missing NCAA Champion Lee Kiefer and NCAA runner-up Madison Zeiss, the Irish were still well represented, with McKee’s second-place finish leading the way. Sarah Followill placed 11th, while Erin Dietsche and Zoe Loh claimed 14th and 15th place respectively.
The Irish resume action tomorrow morning, as the men’s competition gets underway. Results will be live-tweeted throughout the day on the team’s Twitter account, @NDFencing.
Lizzie Mikes,
Media Services Coordinator
–ND–