After a long layoff, the Penn women's fencing squad is primed for its first official meet of the season -- Saturday's Penn State Invitational. In this competition, the Quakers will face Duke, North Carolina, Ohio State and Hunter College.
Despite the fact that the Nittany Lions are hosting the meet in State College, Pa., the Red and Blue will not be facing Penn State on Saturday. The fencers from Happy Valley travel to West Philly to take on Penn on Feb. 23.
After a promising preseason and a rigorous week-long training camp that started on Jan. 2, the Quakers have been preparing for a competitive season opener.
The Red and Blue have not competed since their Alumni Meet on Dec. 1, 2001.
"It is a pretty heavy-duty opening," Penn coach Dave Michanik said.
The team will be pitted against a strong Tar Heels squad, as well as nationally ranked No. 6 Buckeyes.
"Preseason rankings are baloney," Michanik said. "Ask for the rankings at the end of the season."
To add to the already daunting Quakers squad, star eppeist Kimberly Linton has returned from a Fall semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Although she was away, she practiced her game during her time in South America.
"I'm feeling ready to compete," Linton, a junior, said.
Junior sabreist Christina Verigan also shared the same anticipation.
"This will set the tone for the rest of the season," she said. "This is it."
Both Verigan and Linton were on the squad that defeated a deep Buckeyes team, 20-7, at last year's Penn State Invitational.
Besides facing a nationally-ranked team, UNC's strong sabreists may also pose a challenge to the Penn squad and set the stage for an season-opening showdown.
"I'm pumped," senior sabreist Abby Lifter said.
Though she may be pumped for the start of the Quakers' season, Penn's senior captain believes the Red and Blue will be ready in more than just fencing.
"We're going to rock them this weekend," Mindy Nguyen said. "And even if we don't, we're going to look better than them."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.