From NYU Athletics
The New York University men's fencing team opened its 2017-18 campaign at the Temple Collegiate Open on Sunday, October 29, in Philadelphia, PA.
The day was highlighted by two first-place finishes for the Violets. In foil, junior Kyle Welch won all five first-round bouts and three of four second-round bouts to advance to direct elimination. In the elimination round, Welch (ranked 16th of 65 fencers) reeled off six straight victories, including a 15-11 win over New Jersey Institute of Technology's Simon Rizell to claim the top spot.
Additionally, junior Grant Williams finished in first place in sabre for the second-consecutive season. The Atlanta, GA, native began the day by winning all nine of his bouts in the first two rounds, earning the top seed in direct elimination. He followed that up with four consecutive wins in the elimination round to earn a spot in the finals. In the final bout, Williams successfully defended his title by defeating Columbia University's Alex Walker III 15-9.
"This was a wonderful start to the season," said NYU Head Coach Steve Mormando.
There was no team scoring at the event.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Freshman Zohaib Mannan and junior Keith Kan also performed well in foil. Mamman advanced to the Round of 8 and finished sixth, while Kan made in to the Round of 16 and tied for 10th place.
- Freshman Zachary Schindler and junior Mickey Bak both made the Round of 8 for sabre, and finished sixth and seventh in the weapon, respectively.
"Schindler and Bak both fenced very well," added Mormando. "Bak could have made it even further had he not run into Grant Williams in the Round of 8."
- Tad Lundborg led the way in epee. The freshman advanced to the Round of 16 and finished in ninth place.
- Sophomore Will Zhang and freshman Ian Sanders made the Round of 16 in epee, as well. The fencers tied for 13th place in the weapon.
"We have a young team, but we have a lot of talent," concluded Mormando.