After two weeks of practice, the Cornell women’s fencing team opened its 2000-2001 campaign with preseason tournament at the Temple Open in Philadelphia, Pa., this weekend.
Senior Helen Rajfer was the top-finisher for the squad, placing third in the foil competition.
Classmate Patricia Blumenauer garnered eighth in the epee, while Elinor Graznow paced the Red in the saber, finishing 18th.
“I’m very pleased with how the team competed,” head coach Al Peters said, adding, “Everyone fenced well.
According to Peters, the event featured some of the top teams in the country.
Other finishers for Cornell included Rachel Lee (14th in the foil), Tara Hatami (16th in the foil), Erica Gale (16th in the foil), and Kate Mihaly (22nd in the saber).
“We have a lack of experience,” Peters explained. “We are still very much a work in progress.”
Rajfer, who lost to the eventual champion from Temple, was hampered by a hamstring injury during the comeptition. And during her semifinal bout, Peters requested that she risk no further harm.
“She had orders from me to take it easy,” Peters declared, adding, “Helen’s performance was stellar.”
Cornell now has a two-week break before hosting Sacred Heart, Cleveland State, and Case Western Reserve on November 19th at the Stifel Fencing Salle.
But for now, the team is just intent on enjoying its weekend performance.
Summed up Peters, “The team had good spirits and it showed good technique.”
Archived article by Shiva Nagaraj