Jan. 31, 2005

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The men's foil team set a new school record for victories, improving to 18-4 on the year with a 7-1 showing at the Notre Dame Duals over the weekend (Jan. 29-30). The performance was highlighted by a 5-4 victory over No. 3 Notre Dame -- the highest-ranked team that CSU has ever defeated.

Top-ranked Ohio State upended the Vikings 6-3, handing them their only loss of the tournament. Omer Deleeuw, Tom Kotula and Mike Merker are now the second-ranked foil squad in the region, trailing only the Buckeyes, and are 12th in the nation. In women's epee action, Pam Marvinney, Alma Pitchford and Shariah Pratt combined on a 6-3 upset of Cal State Fullerton.

"Last week's performance at Notre Dame was our best showing in my time here. The win over the Irish was a landmark victory for our program," CSU head coach Jim Sager noted. "We've had a really tough schedule and this week's meet will give us a chance to face some of the better teams in our region without having to go against No.1 Ohio State."

CSU is in action for the third straight week as the Vikings travel down I-71 for the Ohio State Duals. Cleveland State is scheduled to face Detroit, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Purdue and Wayne State in its final action before hosting the CSU Duals on Feb. 18.