Women's Fencing Competes at NCAA Regionals :: Parker's second place finish in the foil was the higlight of the event

March 3, 2008

MADISON, N.J. - Sophomore Melissa Parker's second place finish in the foil highlighted a fantastic day for the women's fencing team at NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional Championships over the weekend.

Along with Parker's second place finish, sophomore Kristin Howell finished third and freshman Grace Wu finished 4th in the epee competition. The Cherry and White also received outstanding performances from its seniors. Seniors Marla Nacey and Sam Myles both recored the best regional finishes of their career, both earning 8th place finished. Senior Brianna Ferrara also improved on her 2007 regional finish by placing 14th.

As a team, all 12 of Temple's fencers reached the semifinals in their individual events.

"It was a full day of very strong fencing. Our fencers had to compete under a great deal of pressure and learn how to handle that pressure and still perform at their best, " said head coach Nikki Franke. "The fencing was very strong and I was pleased that we still managed to have one of our best Regional results ever, especially since this was the first Regional Championship for four of our fencers."

The Owls must now await word from the NCAA Fencing Committee concerning NCAA Championship selections. From the Mid-Atlantic/South region, six women fencers will be selected in both epee and sabre while seven women in foil will be selected to compete at the Championship in two weeks at Ohio State University. There are a maximum of six women fencers that can be selected from each school for the Championships, two in each weapon.

In addition to the Region's allocated selections, there are two national at-large spots up for grabs. The NCAA will announce their selections on Tuesday, March 4th.

Temple Results

* Epee

o Kristen Howell - 3rd

o Grace Wu - 4th

o Marla Nacey - 8th

o Brianna Ferrara - 14th

o Kaitlyn Uckert - 18th

* Foil

o Melissa Parker - 2nd

o Sam Myles -8th

o Nina Gernes - 9th

o Abby Schifferle - 11th

o Meredith Bratton - 15th