Fencing News Bytes – Feb 3rd

We’ve collected some news bits from around the web for today.  Check out what’s being talked about fencing-wise at these other news sites:

Vassar College Fencers Poised to Make Program History

With the Northeast Championship on the horizon, both the men’s and women’s fencing programs are poised to make history. The men’s team season record stands at 19-9 and the women’s at 24-6. These strong showings means it is possible Vassar could take the championship title for the first time in the program’s history.

The women’s team can boast fewer than two total conference losses, a feat their various rivals cannot match. The men’s team must defeat Sacred Heart University – a team currently undefeated in league play – in order to take the title.

Vassar fencers hope their newfound focus on team cohesion will aid them in their quest for a championship.

Tufts Aims to Secure a Berth at the NCAA Regional Tournament

2/3/11: The Tufts fencing squad is eager to test their mettle this weekend in bouts against NYU and Wellesley, with hopes they can secure a spot at the upcoming NCAA Regional Tournament. The Tufts team is light on experienced competitors, and last weekend’s Wellesley Invitational showed them to be calm, collected competitors. No matter what happens, the Tufts squad is enthusiastic about their impressive growth as a team.

US Fencers Show Improvement at Cadet and Grand Prix World Cup 2011

2/3/11: The US Fencing team had a good showing and improved scores over past Grand Prix World Cup performances last weekend in Paris, France. Strong contenders Europe and Asia continued to dominate most of the top spots.

Japan placed first in the Men’s Team Foil, with Russia, Italy and China coming up right behind. The US team placed 12th, having entered the competition ranked number seven, but lost 45-25 to the talented British team. The bested the Israelis 45-30, but saw disappointing losses to Austria (45-28) and Poland (45-44).

Erwan Le Pechoux of France won the individual Foil Rommel, with Giorgio Avola of Italy taking the silver. Benjamin Kleibrink of Germany secured third, with Victor Sintes of France coming fourth. Though later defeated 15-10 by Japan’s Yuki Ota, US competitor Alexander Massialas did come out on top in his bout against Suguru Awaji, 15-11. Massialas ultimately placed 25th in the field of 182.

The Cadet fencing competition, staged in London, England, saw the US field four top-eight positions at the European Cadet Circuit event. Italy’s Luca Curatoli and Alessandro Riccardi took the first two positions at the event in Men’s Saber. Geoffery Loss, who hails from California, and Peter Pak of New York placed fifth and sixth in the Men’s Saber event. Women’s Saber competitors Sage Palmedo and Alexa Antipas placed fifth and seventh. The end result was 12 positions from a field of 88 competitors. Of those 12, three of the positions were in the top-ten.

The US Fencing Association is pleased with the strong US showing leading into the 2012 Olympics next year.

UK News: Aliya Itzkowitz Takes the Silver at GLL Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament

2/3/11: Camden Fencing Club member Aliya Itzkowitz celebrated her silver-medal finish last weekend at the GLL Camden International Cadet Sabre Tournament. Itzkowitz started strong against Mathilda Taharo of France, but eventually lost the championship bout 15-11. Nevertheless, her strong second-place finish was a triumph, with 200 contenders from 17 countries in contention.

Italian Luca Curatoli took the boy’s individual gold medal. The Italian girls won the team event and the French won the boys’ team event.

West Milford looks Sharp in NJHS Fencing

2/3/11: The West Milford Highlanders are enjoying a fantastic season, with a number 4 ranking among the North Jersey Top 5 high school fencing teams. A strong performance at Saturday’s District 4 tournament secured their impressive ranking.

Seniors James Hunt and Greg Mascola, and sophomore Brian McCarthy won the epee squad title, with Kevin Diamond taking second in foil. Hunt also took second in the individual epee completion. Both Diamond and Hunt are headed to the state competition in March.