Nov. 17, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - Sophomore Kevin Ziechmann turned in the weekend's top performance with second place in men's sabre as the North Carolina fencing team competed at the Temple Open Saturday and Sunday. The Tar Heel placed at least two fencers in the top 20 in each weapon in a strong team showing.

Just behind Kevin Zeichmann was his brother, Bobby, a senior who finished seventh in sabre in the men's competition on Sunday. Senior Will Randolph was 12th and junior John Powell placed 17th.

UNC's top men's epeeists finished as a group, with sophomore Eric Hsieh placing 18th, sophomore Jarrett Rodrigues finishing 19th, and senior Ben Gellis ending at 20th.

Two Carolina men cracked the top 16 in foil as senior Alex Grigorenko finished 12th and freshman Kevin Nadeau placed 14th. Junior Caleb Pardue finished 32nd in a competitive field.

In women's competition on Saturday, sophomore Katie Williamson led the way with a tie for third place in foil. Junior teammate May-Lynne Chen-Contino finished not far behind in eighth. Senior Jessica Wacker and sophomore Hannah Thurman finished 34th and 35th, respectively.

The women's sabre squad also boasted a top-five finisher as junior Jennifer Sawicki tied for fifth. Senior Monica Kim placed 11th and junior Patti Sanders 12th to help round out the top-16 elimination round. Seniors Jennifer Clark and Mary Borgo also had strong days, placing 27th and 29th.

For the women's epée team, sophomore Melissa Litschi finished in 17th place. Senior Christina Abruzzini landed in 20th place. Three other Tar Heels finished in the top 50: juniors Delaney Nolan at 34th, Annie Moran at 42nd, and Corban Davis at 44th.