Temple University Athletics
Back In Session: Women's Fencing Begins Preparation For 2011-12 Season
9.29.11 | Women's Fencing
PHILADELPHIA-Temple Women's Fencing is back in session as the team begins the 2011-2012 season. Coming off a ninth place finish among all women's teams at the NCAA Tournament last year, and with 10 returning athletes, the team has reason to be excited about this season. Even with all of the returning talent, a quartet of newcomers are hoping to leave a mark on Temple Fencing this season. Freshmen Emily Dodson, Tiki Kastor, Lauren Rangel-Friedman and transfer Krystal Jones are all looking to prove themselves as valuable additions
A native of Lexington, Mass., Dodson joins the Temple women's sabre squad with extensive national experience, finishing eighth at Division II Nationals. She fences for the Zeta Fencing Studio, where she is coached by Zoran Tulun.
Coming off of a three-year hiatus, Jones joins the Temple epee squad after a four-year high school career at Teaneck High School, where she fenced for Pat Lawrence. Jones was co-captain of her high school team and took second at District Championships her senior year.
Kastor brings a wealth of experience to the collegiate level, both nationally and internationally. Before arriving at Temple, the sabre fencer was a two-time finalist at Junior National events and was a silver medalist in the Division IA National Championship. Kastor is from New York City, fences for the Manhattan Fencing Center, and is coached by Yury Gelman. She is currently ranked 10th on the National Junior Point List.
Fencing for the Avant Garde Fencers Club under Daniel Costin, Rangel-Friedman is another member of this year's sabre squad all the way from Laguna Niguel, California. At the 2011 Summer National Championships, Rangel-Friedman earned an “A” rating and finishing third at the Division IA Championship.
When asked about the team, head coach Nikki Franke said, “We are very excited about the upcoming season and our four new additions to the team. They have been working hard and will definitely make significant contributions to the team this year.”
Your first chance to see the team is at the 32nd Annual Temple Open on November 5th and 6th in McGonigle Hall. You can read about the Temple Open here. For information and a full rundown of the weekend event, click here.
