March 25, 2007

MADISON, NJ - The ninth-ranked Temple fencing team, under the direction of 35th-year head coach Nikki Franke, posted a 12th place finish on Sunday afternoon in the final day of the NCAA Championships hosted at Drew University. Freshman foilist Melissa Parker becomes Temple's first All-American since 2003 after a ninth place finish garnered the rookie honorable mention honors.

"This is an excellent result for a freshman fencer," exclaimed Franke. "Melissa fenced tough and smart against some of the top collegiate foil fencers in the country. She was extremely focused and determined throughout the competition."

Junior sabreist Kristine Jones tallied an 18th place finish while freshman Christie Griffith ranked 21st following Sunday's competition.

In addition to Parker's foil finish, junior Samantha Myles, a last-minute addition to the championships on Saturday morning, finished 23rd.

"All in all, the team represented Temple University very well. Coach [Bradley] Baker and I were very pleased with how hard they fenced," praised the Cherry and White mentor. "Now, having reached the championships, we hope they realize how well they can perform at NCAAs in the future, if they keep training hard and have the confidence and will to improve."

In the overall standings, #1 Penn State finished first, #3 St. John's second and #2 Columbia/Barnard third.

Columbia's Daria Schneider captured the sabre crown, Penn State's Doris Willette finished first in the foil event and Wayne State's Anna Garina placed first in the epee division.