Jan. 28, 2007

STATE COLLEGE, PA - The Temple women's fencing team downed Duke (15-12), Drew (20-7) and North Carolina (18-9) en route to a 3-3 competition mark at Saturday's Penn State Invitational. The Cherry and White suffered losses to three other nationally-ranked opponents in #1 Penn State (8-19), #6T St. John's (6-21) and #6T Ohio State (12-15).

With a strong slate of nationally-ranked competition, and despite two injuries to sophomores Melissa Forsythe and Nina Gernes, 35th-year head coach Nikki Franke was pleased with her team's effort and development as the day progressed.

"This was a very strong tournament with four top ten schools, including [Temple], competing. The team fenced very hard and, individually, I saw improvement in everyone's fencing as the day went on," commented Franke.

Forsythe spear-headed the Owls' epee charge with a 5-4 mark before going down with an inury in a bout against St. John's. With the loss of Forsythe, freshman Kristin Howell turned in a solid 5-6 record while junior Marla Nacey (5-10), junior Brianna Ferarra (3-7) and sophomore Kaitlyn Uckert (3-6) also contributed.

Franke's foil line-up was led by junior Samantha Myles (8-5) and freshman Melissa Parker (7-6). The freshmen tandem of Abby Schifferle (6-4) and Meredith Bratton (7-3) turned in solid performances along with sophomore Sabrina Shapiro (4-2). Gernes posted a 1-1 mark and saw limited action after suffering an injury.

Junior Kristine Jones (8-7) and freshman Christie Griffith (7-8) paced the Temple sabreists. Freshman Sara Haase (3-3), freshman Lauren Baker (3-2) and sophomore Ashlee Phillips (4-9) rounded out Franke's sabre squad.

With three losses coming to top ten teams, Franke still keeps in mind her team's youth.

"We are still a very young team with a lot of work ahead of us, but we are on the right track," added the Owls' mentor. "We are looking forward to our home meet next weekend to continue progressing."

The Owls return to competition and the friendly-confines of McGonigle Hall on Sunday, February 4 at 9:00 a.m. for the Temple Invitational.