The men’s fencing team from Yale University kicked off its season with a commanding performance at the Vassar Open Invitational, achieving a perfect record by winning all five of its matches. This strong start comes on the heels of a successful previous season, during which the team boasted an impressive record of 18-7, including an undefeated run at the same tournament last winter.
The Bulldogs began their campaign with a decisive victory against Drew University, defeating them with a score of 21-6. They continued their dominance, also besting Stevens College with the same score before overcoming Lafayette College 19-8. In further displays of skill, Yale secured an 18-9 win against Johns Hopkins University and capped the day with a 19-8 triumph over Sacred Heart University.
Captain Jordan Silberzweig expressed enthusiasm about the team’s performance and the energy brought by new members. “After months of preparation and long morning practices, we came in hungry to compete at a high level,” Silberzweig stated in an email. The Bulldogs are eager to build on their momentum as they look ahead to the Ivy League Championships in 2026.
Last season, Yale entered the Ivy League Invitational with a strong 18-3 record but faced setbacks, losing all four matches. The combined efforts of both the men’s and women’s teams saw them finish 11th out of 33 teams at the NCAA Championships. This year, the men’s team features three returning NCAA Championship qualifiers: Tony Whelan, Silberzweig, and Castor Kao, who currently ranks sixth in the country in foil competition.
The men’s team is not the only one making waves. The women’s fencing team also showcased its prowess over the weekend, finishing the tournament with a record of six wins and one loss. They recorded dominant victories against Yeshiva University and Lafayette College, with scores of 21-0 and 20-1, respectively. The Bulldogs also triumphed over Tufts 18-9, and both Wagner and Wellesley College, defeating them 19-8. Their only defeat came in a narrow contest against Cornell, losing 13-14.
Captain Amanda O’Donnell highlighted the team’s strong performance and the potential for future success. “The past meet went well. We beat six teams, including Brown, which set a really good tone for the rest of the season,” O’Donnell remarked. She also noted the excitement surrounding the return of additional starters as the team prepares for the Ivy League Championships.
The Bulldogs will next compete at the Tri-State Shark Showcase in Brooklyn on November 23, 2023, where they aim to maintain their winning momentum and further develop their competitive edge. With both teams demonstrating their capabilities early in the season, expectations are high for what lies ahead in the world of collegiate fencing.
