October 31, 2006
Haverford Fencing Opens Season at Temple Open

The Haverford College fencing teams opened its 2006-07 season this past weekend at the 27th annual Temple Open. The Temple Open is the largest collegiate fencing event held in the United States. This year's Open featured over 450 fencers from more than 30 schools who competed in the six weapon event.

The men's team had a strong showing in the Foil, as three Fords finished in the top 15. Senior Woden Kusner was the Fords top finisher, making the final eight and placing eighth out of 82 fencers. Sophomores Max Rosen-Long and Brian Wexler finished in 14th and 15th places, respectively. In the men's Epee, freshman Tyler Evans made an impressive debut, placing 12th overall out of 70 fencers. Senior Colin Sullivan also cracked the top 25 in the Epee, placing 23rd. The highest finish from Haverford on the men's side of the open came in the Sabre, where freshman Jared Forbus made the final eight, and placed sixth out of 82 competitors, besting competition from college's such as the University of North Carolina, Duke, and Johns Hopkins. Freshman Adam Zakheim also made an impressive debut, placing 22nd in the Sabre.

On the women's side, all three Epee fencers made the final 32. Freshman Emma Buckingham placed a team-high 20th in the Epee, with Sophomore Melanie Preston and Vanessa Pena placing 29th and 30th, respectively. Senior Heather Rozjabek represented the Fords in the top 32 inthe Foil, placing 32nd. Freshman Sarah Turkus finished tops in the Sabre for Haverford, also reaching the final 32.

Head fencing coach Dave Littell's squads will look to build upon their success at the Temple Open on November 19th. The men's team will take on Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary and Vassa, while the women's team will host Army, Virginia Tech, Virginia.

For complete men's results from the Temple Open, click here.

For complete women's results from the Temple Open, click here.