SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Stanford fencing team sent six fencers to the NCAA Championship today. In two of the six divisions, Stanford fencers finished first and second, while a total of four Cardinal fencers won their respective division.
On the mens side, Alexander Massialas cruised to a first place finish in the mens foil competition. The junior from San Francisco was untouchable throughout the day, defeating all 14 of his opponents. The 2013 NCAA Champion in men’s foil makes his third appearance at nationals in as many season.
Competing in his hometown San Diego, sophomore Ben Riviere won the mens epee division. This comes a year after barely missing out on the semifinals of the NCAA West Regionals last season.
Freshman Becca Rose and sophomore May Peterson capped an impressive Cardinal showing in the women's epee division by finishing first and second respectively. Peterson improved on her third place finish last year, while Rose was the youngest Cardinal fencer to advance to nationals.
In the women’s saber division, Stephanie Wang and Alexa Rohan matched Rose and Peterson, finishing first and second respectively. Rohan makes her second trip to the NCAA Championships in as many seasons. Wang, who was eliminated at the hands of fellow Cardinal sophomore Rohan in last years regional semifinal, makes her first appearance at nationals.
The 2015 National Championships will be held in Columbus, Ohio, hosted by Ohio State.