Fencing in 7th Place After First Day of NCAA Championships

March 14, 2008

COLUMBUS - The #8 Temple University fencing team opened the 2008 NCAA Championships with an impressive opening day. As a team, the Cherry and White finished in 7th place following the first day of competition. Host Ohio State is currently in first place of the competition.

In the individual events, sophomore Kristin Howell continued upon her excellent season, as she currently sits in 6th place of the epee. Freshman Grace Wu finds herself in 18th place of the epee. Melissa Parker is currently in 7th place in the foil while sophomore Christie Griffith is in 21st in sabre.

"The girls are fencing very hard against a tremendously strong field," said head coach Nikki Franke. "We seemed to be getting stronger as the day went on which is exactly what I had hoped for from such a young group."

The Owls will remain in action at Columbus for the rest of the weekend

Epee: Kristin Howell - 6th Grace Wu - 18th

Foil: Melissa Parker - 7th

Sabre: Christie Griffith - 21st