The New York University women's fencing team opened its 2008-09 season by sweeping Fairleigh Dickinson University in both matches held at the Coles Sports Center on Tuesday night. 

The Violets' "B" team, won the first match by a score of 15-12, while the "A" team had an easier time, 23-4, in the second contest.

In the first match, NYU's epee team posted a 9-0 shutout, which was necessary for the victory due to identical 6-3 losses by the Violets' foil and sabre teams.

Junior Amy Alken, sophomore Victoria Sheng and freshman May Zhan each won their three epee bouts.  Freshman Lisa Verzino recorded all three of the Violets' sabre victories, while sophomore Amanda Rysling led the foil team with two victories.

In the second match, the sabre and epee teams posted 9-0 shutouts, while the foil team won 5-4.

In sabre, junior Casey Farin and sophomore Zainab Hasnain each had three victories, while junior co-captain Alyxandra had two and Verzino added the final tally.       

Alken won another three epee bouts, while junior Sam Frons and freshman Stephanie Chen also  recorded three victories in the weapon.

In foil, Rysling added another two wins, as did sophomore Sophie Ciaravino.

The Violets return to action this weekend when they compete at the Temple University Open on Sunday.