COLUMBUS, Ohio – Saturday marked the first day of the NCAA Fencing Championships for the men’s weapons and sophomore Alexander Massialas sits in first place through three rounds.
Massialas is in a tight competition with Notre Dame’s Gerek Meinhardt and Penn State’s Nobuo Bravo as all three won 14 of the 15 bouts they fenced on day one. Nipping at their heels is Penn State’s David Willette with 13 wins for fourth place.
With a 71-20 advantage in touches, Massialas holds the lead due to his 51-touch margin. He has six more than Meinhardt. Massialas is looking to win his second straight national championship after claiming the crown as a freshman last year.
Also competing in foil is freshman Stephen Aman. The rookie won three bouts in his 15 contests on Saturday and sits 23rd overall.
Stanford also has two fencers in the men’s epee. Senior Jake Harbour and junior Paul Riviere were in action on Saturday. Harbour notched six wins in 15 bouts for 21st place and Riviere is in 23rd with three victories.
On Sunday the fencers will complete the pool play with the fourth and fifth rounds. The top four in each weapon are then seeded for the semifinals. The top four will then decide the national champion based on single elimination to 15 touches.