Feb. 24, 2007

EVANSTON, IL - The ninth-ranked Temple women's fencing team posted a 4-1 overall mark on day one of the Northwestern Invitational on Saturday. The Owls, guided under the direction of 35th-year head coach Nikki Franke, bested Cleveland State (27-0), Detroit-Mercy (25-2), Wayne State (15-12) and Michigan (23-4), but fell to #4 Notre Dame (12-15).

After the meet's conclusion, Franke saw several reasons to smile because of her team's performance.

"The girls fenced very hard today," commented the Owls' mentor. "Especially, against ranked opponents in Notre Dame and Wayne State."

The Cherry and White epee rotation, coached by third-year assistant Bradley Baker, finished 32-10 and was led by freshman Kristin Howell's perfect 3-0 record against the Fighting Irish. Howell concluded her day with a 6-2 record while junior Brianna Ferrara posted a 6-1 record and sophomore Kaitlyn Uckert finished 8-0. Junior Marla Nacey (6-3) and sophomore Melissa Forsythe (6-4) rounded-out Baker's attack.

Franke's foilist rotation was led by the freshmen combo of Melissa Parker (8-2) and Meredith Bratton (7-0) while veteran junior Sabrina Shapiro (4-1) turned in another steady performance for the Owls. Sophomore Nina Gernes (6-2) and junior Samantha Myles (6-3) contributed the overall 31-8 record from the Cherry and White foilists.

The sabre attack finished 30-15 overall for the afternoon and was spear-headed by freshmen Christie Griffith (11-2) and Lauren Baker (6-3). Junior Kristine Jones finished 7-5 while Ashlee Phillips completed Franke's sabre line-up with a 6-5 mark.

Following tomorrow's second day of the Northwestern Invitational, the Cherry and White remain on the road on Saturday, March 3 at the NIWFA Championships held in Northampton, MA.

"The team looks forward to completing regular season action tomorrow and preparing for postseason play over the next four weekends," said Franke. "As yet another successful campaign concludes, the team appears to be peaking at the right time."