FENCING: Undefeated men not overlooking Cardinal
By MATT LOZAR
Sports Writer
After a successful meet at New York University last weekend, the Notre Dame fencing team looks to maintain its focus at this weekend's Air Force Dual meet in Colorado Springs.
The No. 2-ranked men's team went unbeaten at NYU, bringing home wins against host NYU, No. 5 Columbia, No.7 Yale and No.1 St. John's.
According to senior sabre captain Andre Compton, the team has not peaked too early.
"We didn't fence to our potential last weekend," he said. "We do need to keep the same intensity this weekend."
Leading the Irish at NYU was freshman Michal Sobieraj. His 12-0 record was capped off by a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Arpad Horvath of St. John's to give the Irish the 14-13 victory over the Red Storm.
At Air Force, the competition should not be as difficult for the Irish. Their main challenge should come from No. 4 Stanford, and possibly host Air Force, which is ranked No. 10. However, Compton does not see this meet as one to overlook.
"This weekend is another challenge for us," Compton said. "Stanford has a really good team and we can't take them lightly."
Once again, Compton knows the short-term goal for the squad is to win this weekend. However, the long-term goal has not left his mind one bit.
"We are always looking to improve," said the senior captain who went 9-2 at NYU. "We need to stay more focused [in the upcoming meets]. We want to win this weekend and at NCAA's."
Meanwhile, the women's fencing team did not get off to as good of start as the men. After victories over No. 8 Yale, No. 9 Columbia and NYU, the Irish dropped a tough match to No.1 St. John's by the score of 15-12.
"Since the loss was by such a small amount, I still have full confidence in this team," said sophomore epeeist Kerry Walton. "I don't think we will have any problem against them in the NCAA's"
Two freshmen made impressive debuts for the women's team at NYU. Alicja Kryczalo and Andrea Ament each had 10 wins for the foil squad.
"Alicja just blows everybody away and Andrea is a wonderful asset to the team," said Walton. "Even though they are just freshman, they stay focused and get the job done."
No. 4 Stanford and No. 6 Northwestern will be the biggest challenges for the women's squad that looks to stay focused on this weekend's event and not look toward the future.
"We will stay with our normal routine, go through the team warm-up, and [try not to] space out," Walton said.
All Sports Stories for Friday, February 1, 2002
