PHILADELPHIA - The Haverford College women's fencing team opened the season by competing against some of the best fencers in the East on Saturday at the Temple Open.
Junior foilist Katie Elbert had the top result for the women on the day, finishing ninth and just one spot shy of the final round of eight at the 33rd Temple Open -- the largest event of its kind in the country. Elbert lost a close fought,heart-breaking bout against New York University's Kelly Ng, 15-13 in the round of 16, having defeated opponents from UNC, Penn State and Rutgers on her path through the field of 85 athletes. Freshman Leila Braun also
shone brightly for the foilists as her intensity and determination helped her qualify for the round of 16 as well.
The epee squad's finish illuminated the depth of that team, as freshman standout Juliana Petersen topped the bill with a 25th-place finish, followed closely by squad leader and National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association (NIWFA) all-star Anjali Baliga at 27th. The remaining members of the squad, Elizabeth Peters and Sara Sofia, also finished in the top half of the 82-person field, at 38th and 33rd respectively.
Two sabrists made the round of 32 as well, as senior co-captain Francesca Behling continues to improve with a 25th-place finish, with junior Shannon Horn on her heels at 27th, out of 83 fencers.
Elbert and Petersen were each the second-highest placing
Division III fencers, behind NYU's Ng and Stevens Institute of Technology's Perkins,
respectively.
The women's season continues at the Sacred Heart Invitational on Nov.11.
Full results (PDF)