NYU Invitational Results

The New York University women's fencing team competed against several quality opponents when it hosted the NYU Invitational at the Coles Sports Center on Saturday, January 22.

Among those who came to New York City for the event, five teams (the University of Notre Dame, St. John's University, Columbia University, Northwestern University, and Ohio State University) were ranked among the top 10 in the nation in the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) Division I Poll.

“It was a spectacular event, one of the marquee competitions of the season," said NYU head coach Steve Mormando. "Five of the top 10 Division I teams in the nation were here.”

Overall, the Violets went 2-4 in the competition and are now 6-8 this season.

NYU knocked off Wayne State University, 15-12, winning six of nine bouts in sabre and five of nine in epee.  Amanda Rysling, Vicki Sheng and Jackie Leval, in foil, epee and sabre respectively, were each 3-0 vs the Warriors. 

In the Violets' other match victory, the team squeaked past Yale in a 14-13 nail-biter.  Rysling, with the teams tied at 13 bouts each and her individual battle squared at four points, notched a decisive blow versus Katharine Pitt to earn the victory.

“Rysling's win against Yale was a big moment for her and for our team," Mormando said.  "Getting that last touch was about as dramatic as it gets." 

In addition to the two wins, NYU fell to top-ranked Notre Dame and #5 St. John's 20-7, to #7 Northwestern 24-3, and to #10 Ohio State 21-6.

NYU did not face #6 Columbia University.   

Rysling totaled a 10-6 bout record for the Invitational.  Lisa Verzino went 8-6 in sabre.  Rysling now owns a 22-12 season record, while Verzino is 22-15. 

The Violets return to action on February 6 at the MIT Invitational in Cambridge, Massachusetts.