Fencing Finishes With 10 Finalists at the 37th Annual Temple Open

Saturday, October 29

Liacouras Center

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Temple University

Temple Open

Fencing Finishes With 10 Finalists at the 37th Annual Temple Open

10.29.16 | Women's Fencing

PHILADELPHIA - With one win out of three events and 10 finalists overall, Temple fencing displayed its dominance yet again at the 37th annual Temple Open on Saturday at the Liacouras Center. Junior Becca Stanford earned a win in women's foil, while the Owls took second place in two of three events.

"It's a good start," said Temple head coach Dr. Nikki Franke. "The girls got to fence for a long time today and got to work out some kinks. We saw improvement as the day went on. It's a good starting point and we'll just have to keep working hard from here. Especially for our freshmen to get their first big collegiate meet under their belt was really helpful. They all did a good job. Congratulations of course to Becca for winning foil, and to all of our finalists. As coaches, we're very pleased."

Competing against Stanford in the championship bout for foil was freshman Kennedy Lovelace who earned an impressive runner-up finish in her debut for the Owls. Sophomore Auset Muhammad was narrowly knocked out in the semifinals by Stanford, 15-13, and finished in a tie for third.

Senior Kristen Kemnitzer and freshman Alexa Prasher finished in 11th and 12th for the foil squad, respectively.

All four Temple fencers who were competing in sabre made it to the final eight. Sophomore Blessing Olaode battled through muscle spasms in the championship bout and lost by just two points, 15-13, to Meredith Bozentka of UNC.

Sophomore Jessica Rockford and freshman Kerry Plunkett both tied for third in sabre, while freshman Malia Hee took fifth.

Three epee fencers earned top eight finishes, led by junior Safa Ibrahim who tied for third. Senior Alexandra Keft finished in fifth place, while sophomore Quinn Duwelius took eighth place for a second year in a row.

Freshman Camille Simmons tied for 11th in epee, while sophomore newcomer Ally Micek finished in 21st place.

Next up for Temple is the Elite Invitational at Penn on Saturday, Nov. 5, where the Owls will battle defending national champion Columbia, Cornell, Notre Dame, NJIT and Johns Hopkins.

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