MADISON, N.J. – The Haverford College women's fencing team opened its 2024-25 team season on Sunday at the Drew Invitational, held at the Simon Forum in Madison. The Fords earned a decisive win over Wheaton (Mass.) and saw strong individual performances against some key opponents, including familiar NIWFA foes Drew and Stevens.

The day began with a challenging match against Stevens, where the Ducks claimed a 24-3 victory. However, standout performances included two foil wins from Sophie Gardiner and an epee win from Nina Hamilton.

After a break, the Fords returned in top form with a commanding 21-3 win over Wheaton. The epee squad swept with a 9-0 record, while the sabre squad posted a 6-0 result, and the foil squad secured a 6-3 finish.

In a tough match against Cornell, the Fords fought hard but fell 26-1, with Sophie Gardiner capturing Haverford's sole win in foil. The Fords faced another Division I opponent in Wagner, where they tallied four individual victories in a 23-4 decision. Sophie Stamicar led with two foil wins, supported by one apiece from Gardiner and Copenhaver.

Against Long Island University, Haverford added five wins in a 22-5 matchup. Eliza Kollett marked her collegiate debut with a sabre victory, while Gardiner, Copenhaver, and Hamilton each contributed wins in their respective weapons.

In the day's final matchup, Drew secured a 21-6 victory. Hamilton earned two epee wins, with teammates Olivia Rueger, Joselyne Malan, and Gardiner also adding to the score, with Gardiner posting a 2-1 record in foil.

The Fords now look forward to their next competition on Sunday, November 10, at Vassar College. The tournament begins at 10 a.m., where Haverford will face a strong field that includes hosts Vassar, Lafayette, CCNY, Drew, Cornell, FDU, and Yeshiva in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.