Northwestern Concludes Competition at North American Cup

10/12/2015 9:58:00 PM | Women's Fencing

By David Herder

RICHMOND, Va. – The Wildcats swarmed into Richmond, Va. to compete in the United States Fencing Association (USFA) October North American Cup at the Greater Richmond Convention Center over the weekend.

Northwestern kicked off the cup with six in competition on Saturday, October 11 that were taking part in the Epee event. With the field totaling almost 200, the 'Cats rose to the top with Juliana Barrett finishing 16th. Barrett overcame a pool group where she won just two contests, but she then toppled Francesca Bassa, Rachel Bang, Elenor Leighton, and Victoria Mo consecutively and was just a solitary touch away from defeating Tatijana Stewart for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Helen Foster was Northwestern's second highest finisher after winning three of five in her pool, finishing 96th, while Courney Dumas (T-112), Anna Tolley (156), and Katherine Van Riper (168) landed touches of their own.

Sunday brought more fencing, with 10 Wildcats entered in the Foil event. Michelle Lee (42), Sarit Kapon (43), Stephanie Chan (69) and Charlotte Sands (70) all won four matches before Lee and Kapon stormed into the round of 64. Mikela Goldstein (103), Lucia Procopio (T-119), Sharon Chen (138), Stefani Kahookele (148), and Kayla Kelch (151) all won matches, while Stela Pointeau (T-156) was a point away from defeating Carlexa Fevry, who ended up finishing 31st.

The North American Cup wrapped up on Monday with the Saber event. Five Wildcats competed and four advanced into the round of 64. Chief among them was Alisha Gomez, who after dropping just one pool match, defeated Victoria Zhang in the Round of 32 before finishing 19th. Sacha Bazzal and Cindy Oh both won four of six pool matches before placing 45th and 46th respectively. Madeline Curzon finished her day in the Round of 64.

Northwestern is back in action at the Remenyik Open, which will be held at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion in Evanston, Ill. on Oct. 24 and 25. Both days will begin at 8 a.m.