STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The Haverford College women's fencing team opened its spring semester schedule on Sunday with six duals against some of the top teams in Division I at the Penn State Invitational. Although unable to break through with a team victory as the only Division III team in the field, Haverford's epee defeated North Carolina in that weapon squad battle. Throughout the day, several Fords showcased their talents against the nation's best in what will ultimately be great preparation for the second half of the season.

Hanna Kopits made her return to the foil lineup and led Haverford with five bout victories. In her first competition of the season, Kopits got her day rolling with a victory against Jenny Zhao who is a two-time national qualifier for Yale. That victory ultimately helped propel Haverford's junior to a 4-3 record over her final three rounds, capped by two more victories against the host Nittany Lions.

Sophomore Golda Glasser also excelled for the foilists as she took down North Carolina national qualifier Wei Chee Chen while also emerging victorious in a bout against Columbia. Co-captain Zuyi Wang also registered two bout wins for the foilists, vanquishing foes from the University of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Haverford's epee squad rallied together in its round against North Carolina to post a squad win as all three fencers in the lineup posted 2-1 records. Overall, Maia Carvalho and Katie Bradley led their squad with three victories. Bradley also found success against Columbia while Carvalho capped her day with a win against the hosts during the final round of action. Sarah Blossom also added two crucial victories in the squad victory against the Tar Heels.

First-year Caroline Donado paced a young sabre squad which is on the rise as she posted a win against her Ivy League foe from Yale during the second round of fencing.

Women's fencing will continue its tough January schedule this coming Saturday as the Fords travel to the University of Pennsylvania for the Philadelphia Invitational. Action on the strips that day will begin at 9 a.m.

Full team results

Duke 27, Haverford 0
Epee: 9-0
Foil: 9-0
Sabre: 9-0

Yale 25, Haverford 2
Epee: 9-0
Foil: 8-1
Sabre: 8-1

Columbia 25, Haverford 2
Epee: 8-1
Foil: 8-1
Sabre: 9-0

Penn 25, Haverford 2
Epee: 9-0
Foil: 7-2
Sabre: 9-0

North Carolina 18, Haverford 9
Epee: 6-3
Foil: 3-6
Sabre: 9-0

Penn State 24, Haverford 3
Epee: 8-1
Foil: 7-2
Sabre: 9-0