March 24, 2007

MADISON, NJ - Freshman foilist Melissa Parker posted an eighth place finish in day one of the NCAA Fencing Championships on Saturday afternoon at Drew University.

The Cherry and White, under the direction of 35th-year head coach Nikki Franke, are ranked 12th among all women teams at the conclusion of the first day of competition.

Junior sabreist Kristine Jones completed the afternoon ranked 19th while freshman sabreist Christie Griffith finished 20th.

As a result of a one of the foilists withdrawing from the championships on Saturday morning, Temple junior Samantha Myles was awarded the at-large position as the fourth Owl competing in Madison, NJ.

Through day one, Myles ranked 23rd overall.

"It was very exciting to have Samantha gain the opportunity to fence at the NCAA Championships," added Franke. "She was pleasantly surprised, and immediately began to mentally prepare for the task ahead of her."

The sabre field was led by Penn State's Caitlin Thomas while teammate Doris Willette led all foilists. In the epee event, Wayne State's Anna Garina finished first.

Overall, Penn State holds the early team lead while St. John's finished second and Columbia/Barnard third.

The NCAA Championships and day two resume on Sunday.