POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – On Saturday, the Haverford College women's fencing team traveled to Poughkeepsie, NY, to compete in the Vassar Invitational. Competing in the first dual-meet format of the season, the grueling tournament lasted eight rounds for the women, without a bye in any round as they took on a wide range of opponents.

The Fords faced a tough draw in the first round against the host Brewers. However, Haverford's sabre squad rallied and won six bouts to highlight the first round action for the squad, a theme it would carry on through the day. Haverford sabre, led by senior Leslie Tjing, won seven of eight matches on the day, dropping only to powerhouse Cornell in the second round.

After another tough outing against Cornell, a 24-3 defeat, the Fords rallied and won the final six matches, from squeakers (15-12 vs CCNY) to a complete blanking (27-0 vs. Queens College). As a season-opening test of the Fords' conditioning, preparation, and mental focus, the tournament was resounding success.

Leading all scorers on the day in familiar fashion was epeeist Juliana Petersen, junior co-captain and last year's NCAA Regional finalist, with a 20 - 3 record. Foilists Leila Braun and co-captain Jessica Poling each rang up 16-8 records, while sophomore sabriste Sofia Tieze led that squad with a 18-5 tally in her weapon.

The Haverford fencing teams will compete next Saturday, November 15 as they host the Dan Arnstein '09 Invitational in the GIAC. 

Vassar def. Haverford, 17 - 10
Epee: 8 - 1
Foil: 6 - 3
Sabre: 3 - 6 

Cornell def. Haverford, 24 - 3
E: 7 - 2
F: 9 - 0
S: 8 - 1

Haverford def. West Point, 19 - 8
E: 7 - 2
F: 7 - 2
S: 5 - 4 

Haverford def. CCNY, 15 - 12
E: 7 - 2
F: 3 - 6
S: 5 - 4 

Haverford def. Yeshiva, 25 - 2
E: 9 - 0
F: 7 - 2
S: 9 - 0 

Haverford def. Hunter, 19 - 8
E: 6 - 3
F: 5 - 4
S: 8 - 1 

Haverford def, Queens College, 27 - 0
E: 9 - 0
F: 9 - 0
S: 9 - 0 

Haverford def. Wellesley, 17 - 10
E: 7 - 2
F: 4 - 5
S: 6 - 3