POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 13, 2022) - The Tufts University women's fencing team opened its 2022-23 season with five wins in seven matches at the Vassar Invitational on Sunday.
The Jumbos had victories against Wagner (19-8), Haverford (27-0), Lafayette (23-4), Stevens (21-6) and Fairleigh Dickinson (27-0). The losses were to Johns Hopkins (15-12) and Northwestern (17-10).
Tied for fourth in the Division III national poll entering the new season, Tufts defeated #6 Stevens and lost to #2 Hopkins. Northwestern is the #9 team in the Division I poll.
The Tufts foil squad had a 49-14 record on the day (77.77%). They were led by a 12-3 record from junior
Lea Levi, an 11-2 mark by first-year Daniella Davia and an 11-3 record posted by junior
Sydnee Lau. Levi won two out of three versus both Johns Hopkins and Northwestern. The Jumbos topped the Wildcats in foil 5-4.
The Jumbo epee group had seven different fencers see action and earn a 45-18 record (71.42%). First-year Karen Bei led with a 9-3 record, including 3-0 against Johns Hopkins. Senior
Arianna Minassian had an 8-2 mark for the day, also helping Tufts defeat Hopkins in foil 5-4 by taking two out of her three bouts there. Junior
Annie Li's 7-2 epee record included a 3-0 sweep versus Stevens.
The sabre squad was also 45-18 on the day. Sophomore
Millie Girardi's 13-4 record was the most wins for Tufts at the meet and included fencing and winning all three sabre bouts versus Wagner. She was also 2-1 against Hopkins. Senior
Emily Valadez finished with a 12-4 mark and first-year Alexia Newell went 9-3 including taking two of three in the Northwestern match.
The Jumbos will compete next in a tri-match at Harvard University with Wellesley College on December 6.
Â
