Girls’ Fencing Has Phenomenal Day at Preps
The girls’ fencing team had a tremendous showing at the Prep Championships, hosted by The Hun School on Wednesday, February 12, placing second overall in the “B” division, while crowning multiple champions.
The women’s sabre squad earned gold in their event, with all three of the fencers, Maggie Kistner ‘20, Caroline Solondz ‘21, and Grace Crimi ’23, qualifying for the individual round. Kistner faced off against Crimi in the Round of Eight, defeating Crimi, 10-9. Kistner and Solondz then fenced in the semifinals with Solondz coming out victorious, 10-6. Kistner went on to win the consolation final, finishing third overall. Solondz was losing 9-6 in the championship final, but was able to regroup and pulled off a thrilling, 10-9, victory to earn the individual sabre title.
The women’s epee squad also had a terrific showing, placing second overall. Unfortunately, Jennifer Salemy ‘21 injured her knee and had to withdraw from the individual event. The A and C strip fencers, Zoe O’Connor ‘21 and Sophia Mariano ‘23, both qualified for the individual round, with O’Connor being crowned the individual epee champion after winning a tough, 10-9 bout. Mariano went on to place eighth overall.
Lexi Yates ‘20 had the strongest day for Gill in the women’s foil, going 4-2 and missed qualifying for individuals by just indicator point (touches scored - touches received).
“It was a great day for the girl fencers,” said head coach Stephen Olson. “They were expected to do well, but still really exceeded expectations. Grace especially stepped up in sabre and helped the squad reclaim the title. Sabre has always been strong, but epee is starting to now get up there, and next year they have good shot of winning the team title as well.”
Gill St. Bernard's School
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.