Nov. 21, 2005

EVANSTON, IL - The Johns Hopkins women's fencing team picked up seven wins and dropped six losses at the NU Duals hosted by Northwestern at the Sports Pavilion and Aquatic Center on NU's campus. The Blue Jays defeated Michigan State, Lawrence, Cleveland State, Michigan, Cal Fullerton, University of Detroit, and Air Force, and lost to Stanford, North Carolina, Wayne State, Cal San Diego, Northwestern, and Notre Dame.

"Considering the level of the teams we lost to, this was a pleasing result," head coach Jim Murray said. "We beat Air Force for the first time and we lost to the defending NCAA champion Notre Dame."

Freshman Grace Fried turned in a top individual performance for the Blue Jays as she led the team with 23 wins in foil. Sophomore Michelle Gutierrez won 21 duals in saber, while senior Cathy Gallagher defeated 10 opponents in a tough epee field.

Junior Joanna Kochaniak and sophomore Cindy Liu also had strong showings in foil and epee, respectively. "It is the "C" or third fencer on the squad, like Joanna and Cindy, who will tip the balance in meets such as Michigan, Fullerton, and Air Force," Murray said.

The Blue Jays next compete in the NIWFA Christmas Tournament on December 3.

NU Duals: Johns Hopkins Results
MICHIGAN STATE - V, 16-11
LAWRENCE - V, 23-4
CLEVELAND STATE - V, 23-4
MICHIGAN - V, 14-13
STANFORD - D, 7-20
NORTH CAROLINA - D, 8-19
WAYNE STATE, D - 11-16
CAL FULLERTON - V, 16-11
UNIVERSITY of DETROIT - V, 22-5
AIR FORCE - V, 16-11
CAL SAN DIEGO - D, 3-24
NORTHWESTERN - D, 6-21
NOTRE DAME - D, 1-26