Gernesova and Jones Place First at NIWFA Christmas Invitational :: Samantha Myles placed second (foil), Kaitlyn Uckert ranked fifth (epee) and Ashlee Phillips finished third (sabre)

Dec. 4, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - The Owls, boasting two competitors with the top spot and four others in the top 10, produced their best showing this season at the NIWFA Christmas Invitational over the weekend. Sophomore Nina Gernesova placed first in the foil event while junior Kristine Jones finished first in the sabre event.

In a field of 45 competitors, junior Samantha Myles placed second behind Gernesova in the foil event.

In the epee event, Kaitlyn Uckert was a finalist placing fifth out of 48 competitors. Abby Schifferle, the second of two Temple epeeist competitors this weekend, finished 28th.

In addition to Jones, sophomore Ashlee Phillips finished third while freshman Sara Haase finished 8th. Freshman Lauren Baker placed 18th out of the 43 competitors in the sabre event.

"The team fenced very well today and showed strong improvement as the day went on," commented assistant coach Brad Baker. "The format and our strengthening throughout the competition helped highlight how effective our conditioning program has been."