Jan. 16, 2007

COLUMBUS, OH - Freshman epeeist Kristin Howell led five Owls to top 30 finishes at the U.S. Fencing Association's North American Cup in a weekend competition held in Columbus, Ohio.

In the Cherry and White's first event in over a month, head coach Nikki Franke, in her 35th season on North Broad Street, found the NAC's high-level of talent as a good measuring stick for her team that enters dual-meet competition next weekend.

"This was a very strong tournament which helped us identify some of the things we still need to work on," said Franke. "But, it also was a valuable experience as we begin our dual meet season next weekend."

Howell's eighth place finish in the Division I Women's Epee event, consisting of 146 competitors, was the rookie's best national result. In the same event, sophomore Melissa Forsythe captured her best national result with a 30th place finish. Both Howell (14th) and Forsythe (17th) each produced top 20 performances in Junior Women's Epee boasting a field of 120 competitors.

Wayne State senior Anna Garina took the Division I Epee crown while Susannah Scanlan, from Minnesota, placed first in the Junior division.

Owls freshman foilist Melissa Parker turned 37th and 26th place finishes in the Division I Women's Foil event and Junior Women's Foil event, respectively.

The Cherry and White return to action Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the Philadelphia Invitational.

For complete Temple results from the NAC, please click here.