Evanston, IL-The Cleveland State fencing teams wrapped up their regular season at the Northwestern Duals on Saturday.
This competition marked the second week in a row for the Vikings competing under new head coach Jennifer Oldham.
Oldham remarks, "Last weekend was about us getting to know each other and building trust. This weekend I wanted them to work more as a competitive unit. All squads responded positively and are excited about their work moving into the conference championships."
The teams competed against stiff competition, with the men's and women's teams finishing 0-5 on the day. "The results don't reflect the work of the team. Not having a full women's team hurts us, and a few matches the men lost based on experience."
Highlight performances include senior Jesse Ndjeka, "Jesse models solid competitive resilience and curiosity while he fences," remarks Oldham. Ndjeka's record was 7-2 on the day and the men's epee squad anchored the men's team going 3-2 for the day. "Boston College was a very exciting match with both our men's epee and saber squads winning against a strong ACC school."
"For the women's team, senior saber fencer Iyssa Freidburger was a stand out. Ilyssa's tactical adjustments and athleticism has been remarkable during the last two meets," remarks Oldham.
"With so many strong seniors leaving next year, we have to start working on building up next season's leaders now. Evran Walter, Simon Caisse and Vaughn Smith all rose to the occasion," remarks Coach Oldham.
The teams will be back in action in three weeks for the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference Championships scheduled for February 24-25.
Results
Men's Team Round 1: Air Force 19, CSU(M) 8
F: 2-7, E: 4-5, S: 2-7
Men's team Round 2: Boston College 17, CSU(M) 10
F: 0-9, E: 5-4, S: 5-4
Women's Team Air Force 23, CSU(W) 4
F: 0-9, E: 2-7, S: 2-7
Men's Team Round 3: Stanford 18, CSU(M) 9
F: 0-9, E: 6-3, S: 3-6
Women's Team Round 3: Stanford 24, CSU(W) 3
F: 0-9, E: 2-7, S: 1-8
Men's Team Round 5: Incarnate Word 16, CSU(M) 11
F: 6-3, E: 5-4, S: 0-9
Women's Team Round 5: Incarnate Word 17, CSU(W) 5
F: 0-6, E: 1-8, S: 4-3
Men's Team Round 6: UC San Diego 21, CSU(M) 6
F: 1-8, E: 3-6, S: 2-7
Women's Team: UC San Diego 26, CSU(W) 1
F: 0-9. E: 1-8, S: 0-9
Women's Team Round 8: Fairleigh Dickinson 15, CSU(W) 12
F: 0-9, E: 7-2, S: 5-4
