University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Temple Intercollegiate Open (Men)
Tar Heels Show Off Depth At Temple Open
October 31, 2016 | Fencing
PHILADELPHIA – The UNC men's and women's fencing teams opened the 2016-17 season in impressive fashion over the weekend, showing off outstanding individual performances and stellar depth at the Temple Open. The Tar Heels competed as part of a field of more than 500 fencers representing 30 schools.
“It's one of the strongest fields we've seen at this event,” said UNC coach Ron Miller, who is starting his 50th season at UNC and has been to all 37 Temple Opens. “There's no team scoring, but it gives a pretty good idea of where we stand early in the season. I'm exceptionally pleased with everyone's performances.”
Two members of the women's team medaled on Saturday. Junior Meredith Bozentka had the headline performance of the day, winning women's sabre. Freshman Carlexa Fevry tied for third in foil, a weapon in which UNC had three competitors in the top six. After Fevry, senior Gabrielle D'Astoli placed fifth and sophomore Sydney Persing sixth. Also in the top 16 were freshman Wei Chee Chen (14) and sophomore Alicia Chen (16).
In sabre after Bozenka, four more Tar Heels placed in the top 20 in the field of 75. Junior Diana Philpot was ninth, senior Sarah Hanvy 11th, junior Noa Allen 17th and freshman Jackie Litynski 20th.
In epee, junior Elli Moreno was seventh, junior Samantha Galina tied for 18th, sophomore Erin O'Neill tied for 26th and freshman Justine De Grasse was 28th. Sophomore Beni Mathieu placed 65th in the main draw then bounced back to win the consolation bracket.
“Overall, it was an outstanding day for the women,” Miller said. “It was a very consistent performance.”
In men's competition on Sunday, another Carolina fencer medaled with senior Michael Gopman Slonim tying for third in epee. Not far behind him was freshman Jacob Henkels in seventh. Due to injuries and academic conflicts they were the only two Tar Heels in the event.
In sabre, UNC had two sophomores in the top 12 with Connor Ritchey ninth and Matthew Garrelick tied for 11th. Senior Theophilus Onigbinde was 26th, freshman Alex Matthew 28th, freshman Samuel Tate 30th, and junior Griffin Morehead 50th.
In foil, sophomore Ian Head was the top finisher in 18th. Freshman Brian Lee took 20th, senior Ezra Baeli-Wang 23rd and junior Gabe Foster 36th.
“The main thing was our consistency,” Miller said. “All six weapons fenced exceptionally well, especially when it comes to depth.”
For complete results, click here.
Next up for the Tar Heels is the Elite Invitational on Nov. 5 in Philadelphia.
Temple Open
Results
Saturday – Women's Competition
Foil (field of 72)
T3. Carlexa Fevry
14. Wei Chee Chen
16. Alicia Chen
Epee (field of 72)
7. Elli Moreno
T18. Samantha Galina
T26. Erin O'Neill
28. Justine De Grasse
65. Beni Mathieu
Consolation Epee
1. Beni Mathieu
Sabre (field of 75)
11. Sarah Hanvy
17. Noa Allen
20. Jackie Litynski
Sunday, Men's Competition
Epee (field of 98)
Foil (field of 90)
18. Ian Head
20. Brian Lee
23. Ezra Baeli-Wang
36. Gabe Foster
Sabre (field of 82)
T11. Matthew Garrelick
28. Alex Matthew
30. Samuel Tate
50. Griffin Morehead
Players Mentioned
