The LU fencing team traveled to Notre Dame last weekend to compete in the Midwest Conference Championships.The Vikes came up with an impressive ending to a very successful season. Saturday was dedicated to the individual competition, in which several fencers proved to be fearsome opponents.
Four members of the team advanced to the round of 16: junior Nils Schaede using the sabre tied for 12th place, freshman Bradley Bodee using the sabre placed 15th, freshman Dorothea Schurr using the foil placed 16th, and junior Chiara Terzuolo using the foil also placed 16th.
This was the final team tournament for senior Alice Schoen who used the foil to place 21st and senior Christina Bartell who used the sabre to take 30th.
The following day, the Vikings sparred for high placement in the team event, with all teams but one making it into the top 10.
Once again, the men’s sabre squad dominated, finishing in fifth place. Women’s foil, despite some initial problems, rose to the high rank of sixth place.
Men’s foil followed suit, ending with a commendable eighth place.
Women’s epee, although losing to their first team, viciously defended their ninth-place ranking.
Men’s epee almost got into the top 10, finishing in 11th place, an excellent result for a team with two first-time fencers.
Next weekend the 10 fencers who qualified for regionals will travel to the University of Detroit-Mercy to compete against the very best fencers of the Midwest. Wish them luck!