Philadelphia, Pa.- The Haverford College men's and women's fencing teams opened their season on Nov. 5-6 at the 32^nd annual Temple Open, hosted by Temple University. 

Drawing over 600 fencers from almost every college fencing program on the East Coast, including 2010 NCAA National Champions Penn State, the Temple Open was a true test to begin the 2011-12 season.

Sophomore Katie Elbert was the highest finisher for the Fords women, placing 11th in the foil bouts.  Elbert went unbeaten in the first two rounds, earning a five seed into the direct elimination table.  This was her first finish in the sweet 16 at Temple, having placed 17^th last year.  Fellow teammates Shannon Horn and Sarah Sofia each cracked the round of 32, finishing 20^th and 23^rd respectively in sabre and epee.

The story for the men's team was a point of pride- the Haverford epee.  2011 MACFA Champion James Nieuwland added more hardware to his collection with the epee champion trophy, defeating Penn State's Oliver Valdez for the gold. Teammate Andrew Bostick won it in 2010 and placed third this year.  Sam Levinson led the men's foilists with a strong 10^th place showing, and Linus Marco topped Haverford sabre with a 42^nd placement.