Jan. 20, 2011

Contact: Dan Carr

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland State's fencing squad hosted Case Western, Detroit, Michigan, Vassar and Wayne State in the team's lone home meet of the season on Saturday (Jan. 15). The men picked up a 15-12 win over Case Western for the Vikings' lone victory of the day.

"Although we only beat Case Western, I was pleased with our performance," head coach Andy Tulleners said. "We came close against several teams, our epees were strong and our sabers also did very well."

Tom Bienvenu led the men's squad with 13 wins in the saber division. Bienvenu was undefeated against fencers from Michigan, Detroit and Case Western and went 2-1 against Wayne State.

John Marshall also had a strong outing for the Vikings, winning eight bouts in the epee.

As a team, Cleveland State shined in the epee division. CSU's epees went 7-2 vs. both Case Western and Wayne State, 6-3 against Detroit, and 4-5 in a close loss to Michigan.

Alex Dickinson and Stephanie Lee represented the women's team with strong performances. Dickinson led the squad with 13 victories in the epee division, going 3-0 against fencers from Case Western and Detroit. Lee won 10 bouts, including 3-0 sweeps vs. Detroit, Michigan and Case Western.

The epee again was Cleveland State's strongest weapon, as the squad went 6-2 against Detroit and 4-5 vs. Michigan.

"Overall I was very pleased with the team's performance," Tulleners said. "I was especially pleased with how our team supported each other. The atmosphere among this team is tightening, and I'm happy with the direction this team is going."

The Vikings will next be in action on Saturday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Jan. 30 when CSU travels to South Bend, Ind. for the Notre Dame varsity/club dual meet. The Vikings will fence against teams from across the country, including Northwestern, Air Force, California-San Diego and the host, Notre Dame.

Team Scores

CSU Men
Cleveland State 15, Case Western 12
Detroit 16, Cleveland State 11
Michigan 20, Cleveland State 7
Vassar 23, Cleveland State 4
Wayne State 18, Cleveland State 9

CSU Women
Case Western 11, Cleveland State 7
Detroit 12, Cleveland State 9
Michigan 21, Cleveland State 6
Vassar 25, Cleveland State 2
Wayne State 21, Cleveland State 4