LOS ANGELES - The UC San Diego fencing team kicked off the 2010-11 season on Sunday at UCLA as part of the Collegiate Open. In addition to the host Bruins, the Tritons competed in individual competition against USC, UCSB, UCI, and Claremont College. UCSD posted favorable results on the day thanks to contributions from both returners and newcomers, winning five gold medals, four silver, and seven bronze.

Men's foil was the largest event for the day, with 31 competitors. Squad captain Michael Fong led the way with a first place finish, while freshman Brennan Louis placed second and sophomore Alex Lavin earned bronze. Women's foil also had a successful showing, with squad captain Julia Wu finishing third.

The UCSD men's team also took the top three spots in epee, with sophomore James Galamba in first, freshman Luc Ginestet second, and team captain Nick McGuinness in third. The women's epee squad received a first place showing from captain Amy Bianchini in a dominating performance.

Both the men and women finished one- two- three in sabre to conclude a successful day. The men's sabre squad achieved the best squad result of the day, by taking all the available medals. Freshman Bryson Abilay took first, edging out second place finisher and squad captain Jonathan Ott in a close bout. With two bronze medals typically awarded for each individual fencing event, sophomore Chris Bonner and freshman Nick Bartuzik helped the Tritons shut out the competition, each taking a third place medal . Freshman Munira Gesner proved to be an important addition to the women's sabre squad as she finished atop the medal podium, followed by junior Jordan Conway in second and squad captain Lexy Stanley placing third.

The Tritons will next be in action on November 7, traveling to UC Irvine for the first team meet of the season. Start time is scheduled for 9 a.m.