The Women’s Fencing team had a strong showing at the annual Stevens Invitational, held on Sunday, February 4 in Canavan Arena, with graduate student Claire McNeill breaking the program’s career epee win record. McNeill’s outstanding performance propelled the Ducks to victories over the United States Military Academy and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
McNeill went 5-1 in epee, setting a new program record of 269 career victories. Her perfect 3-0 performance against Army broke the previous record of 265 set by Briana Nieradka from 2009 to 2014. McNeill’s accomplishment was recognized by her teammates following her 5-3 victory, highlighting the team’s camaraderie. Senior Alana Schmitt led the team with six victories, while junior Arianna Daringa matched McNeill’s five wins, bringing the Ducks’ season record to 14-15. The day began with a dominant 20-7 win over Army, followed by a 17-10 victory over NJIT.
The win over Army marked the team’s 23rd consecutive victory over the Black Knights, demonstrating its consistent dominance. The Ducks’ 2-0 record at the Stevens Invitational is noteworthy because it marks the first time they have had such success in their only home event since the 2019-20 season.
Prior to the competition, the program held a ceremony to honor seniors Victoria Beke, Megha Jain, and Jasmine Chen, as well as McNeill and Schmitt, for their outstanding contributions to the program. The saber group performed admirably, posting a 15-3 record, while the epee group was close behind, finishing 12-6. Foil finished with a solid 10-8 record, demonstrating the team’s strength in all three weapons.
Assistant coach Linda Vollkommer-Lynch was pleased with the team’s performance, saying, “It was a fantastic day for Stevens women’s fencing, with two victories. It was great to win at home in front of family and friends, and we were thrilled to have all of our seniors participate.” Head coach James Carpenter praised Claire McNeill’s historic achievement, saying, “The story of the day was Claire McNeill breaking the all-time career wins record for women’s epee. That will be a long-lasting record.” Assistant coach Linda Vollkommer-Lynch added, “Claire breaking the record for career epee wins was an incredible accomplishment, and we are proud of her achievement.”
The Women’s Fencing team’s success at the Stevens Invitational sets a positive tone for the rest of the season, as they build on their impressive collegiate fencing legacy. They will next compete in the FDU Invitational held at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) on February 11.
