Jan. 12, 2013
STANFORD, Calif. - The Stanford fencing team got the positive start it wanted in its season opener Saturday at the Western Invitational Tournament, with the men’s team going undefeated (4-0) and the women’s team dropping just one match (4-1).
The men’s team defeated Air Force (17-10), California Institute of Technology (25-2), UC San Diego (16-11) and Florida (23-4). All-American and 2012 NCAA Championships runner-up Turner Caldwell helped lead the Cardinal with a 5-1 individual record in men’s foil.
The men’s team also saw the debut of 2012 London Olympian Alex Massialas who finished the tournament undefeated in men’s foil.
David Beam led the men’s sabre team, while Kian Ameli anchored the men’s epee team – both going undefeated in the tournament.
The women’s team defeated UC San Diego (18-9), California Institute of Technology (16-0), Florida (20-7), and Air Force (16-11) – dropping its only match of the day to Northwestern (12-15).
Freshman Vivian Kong and All-American Francesca Bassa, who made her return after taking time off to compete for a spot in the 2012 London Olympics, led the women’s epee team to an undefeated tournament.
Avery Youngblood anchored the women’s sabre group with a record of 11-2.
The Cardinal will begin to prepare for its next meet at the Midwest Invitational at Evanston, Ill. On Feb. 2-3.