Acorn

Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Joanna Whitney Carlin MacNichol ('11) spars with her teammate during practice. MacNichol has been a key addition to the women's team and exhibits improvement on a daily basis. She will look to be a major contributor in the near future.

The Drew University men's and women's fencing teams knifed through stiff competition at home on Sunday in the Middle Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association. The men's team posted a 6-1 record while collecting victories over the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Haverford College, Cornell University, Lafayette College and Rutgers University. The women's team split the meet by edging Rutgers 15-12, but then fell 22-5 at the hands of Princeton University.

Both the men's and women's teams were anchored by solid performances in epee and foil, as both squads went 5-1 on the day. Vigorous training, including two practices a day over the holiday break, enabled both Drew teams to compete at a high level.

"We did fitness every morning over break," Emma Nostrand ('08) said. "We ran and did warm-up stretches together, but then we would split into separate groups to do our own workouts. Some of us played racquetball and other sports, while others played ultimate Frisbee or hit the weight room."

By taking part in various activities, both teams stayed sharp and focused, while not losing interest in the sport.

"The idea was to just keep everyone engaged and moving," Nostrand said. "It's easy to burn out when all you do is fence for a month, although we did have fencing practice with our coaching staff in the afternoon."

In addition to practicing, the teams kept their skills polished by fencing in a handful of meets over break.

"We fenced in three meets," Sulia Mason ('10) said. "It wasn't a lot, but it was enough to keep us going."

After practicing at least once a day and partaking in several meets over break, both teams found themselves prepared for the MACFA meet.

The men's team started the day by winning convincingly in consecutive matches. The Rangers came out swinging, knocking off Cornell 21-6 and pummeling Lafayette 24-3. The foilists plowed the way for Drew with an undefeated 9-0 record.

Continued...

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