FENCERS OPEN THE SEASON WITH VICTORY
Jan. 5, 2011
The Gray Bees fencing team finally got its season underway on Thursday with a too-close-for comfort, 14-13, victory over Princeton Day.
"We had some good performances and a lot of revelations on things that we need to work on," said St. Benedict's coach Jeff Austin. "We performed as we normally do at the beginning of the season."
The Gray Bees, the reigning state Prep champion, clinched the contest in Shanley Gymnasium during the 26th bout when Jongwan Kagabo posted a 5-0 victory in Epee. Kagabo, a junior, posted a 2-1 mark on the day.
Junior Tramond French II, son of recent St. Benedict's Hall of Fame inductee, and freshman Antonio Taylor each posted their first varsity victory in their very first matches for the Gray Bees. French is an Epeeist, while Taylor is a Sabreist.
"It's good that they had their first varsity victories in their first varsity match," said Austin.
Austin's club was led by senior Jamar Victor, who was the only fencer to go unbeaten when he posted a 3-0 ledger in Sabre. Daniel Idrovo (Sabre) and Elliott McFarland (Foil) went 2-1.
"We definitely lost bouts we should have won; even by the more experienced varsity guys," explained Austin. "I'm not satisfied with the way we won, but I'll take it."
