LA JOLLA, Calif. - The UC San Diego fencing team compiled a 7-3 overall record as host of Saturday's six-team West Invitational at RIMAC Arena. The Triton women went 4-1 and the Triton men went 3-2 against foes Northwestern, Air Force Academy, Stanford, Cal Tech and Florida.
The women's team started the day by succumbing 25-2 to Northwestern, one of the best programs in the country. The Tritons would rebound with one-point wins over Air Force and Stanford, two matches in which the score ended 14-13 in favor of UCSD. Cal Tech then fell, 23-4, to the Tritons before UCSD finished off the day with a 16-11 victory over Florida.
Women's foil played a significant role throughout the day, going a combined 15-1 against Air Force and Florida. Women's sabre made the difference in the Tritons' duel with Stanford, going 6-3 to help UCSD edge the Cardinal.
Julia Wu suffered three losses to Northwestern, but recovered by recording perfect 3-0 performances against Air Force, Stanford and Florida. Team captain
Casey Gillcrist posted a 9-7 record on the day, securing critical points against Northwestern and Stanford.
On the men's side, the Tritons pounded Northwestern, 23-4, before falling 21-6 and 17-10 to Air Force and Stanford, respectively. UCSD finished the day by drubbing Cal Tech, 25-2, and Florida, 21-6.
Captain
Michael Fong and freshman
Brennan Louie had strong days for the Tritons, as Fong posted a 9-3 record and Louie went 10-2. The foil squad posted a 6-3 record in its bout with a talented Cardinal squad.
The highest rated Triton fencers will travel this weekend to Dallas, January 14-17, to fence individually in the North American Cup.