Women’s fencing fought till the bitter end in the Eastern Women’s Fencing Conference Championship and took home multiple awards, including individual, squad and team awards. With a 3-3 overall finish at Simon Forum, they placed sixth among 10 teams.
As part of the two all-conference recognitions snagged by Drew, foil Lauren Miglietta (‘24) won Woman of the Year and saber Elysa Jordan (‘25) took home All-Academic for All-EWFC Honors. The women’s team earned the Roi Green Memorial Team Sportsmanship Award, named after City College of New York’s cherished Head Coach Roi Green, who passed away in 2006.
The women’s épées squad placed second all-conference with an impressive 5-1 record achievement for the day.
“Squad-wise, I couldn’t be more proud as this is our second year placing in EWFC,” said Brenna Behensky (‘25), who placed eighth individually for women’s épée. “There has been a tremendous amount of teamwork and growth on our squad this year, and this really just proves it.”
The championship began with the Rangers facing off against John Hopkins University. The hard-fought bouts displayed calculating tactics and aggressive attacks from the Rangers, with the épée squad stealing a close 5-4 win while the saber and foil squads managed to snag one victory each before the team ultimately endured a 20-7 loss.
Going into the second round, the Rangers ran Yeshiva University down the strip with a strong 22-5 win, with 3-0 performances from épées Behensky and Amira Mutakabbir (‘25).
Drew carried this momentum into the third round, lunging to another win over Hunter (17-10) and a 3-0 mark from Sophie Gajowskyj (‘25), who placed fifth individually for saber at the championship and maintained a 10-5 record throughout the day.
“I believe that the hard work I have put into training this season allowed me to achieve these results, and it’s a nice reminder for myself that hard work does pay off,” said Gajowskyj when asked about her and the squad’s performance. “I think what really made the difference for the squad was the fact that we were supporting one another, no matter how we were doing individually during the day.”
The saber girls finished quickly in the fourth round and made sure to support their fellow squads, cheering and clapping as foil and épée engaged in a tough battle against Stevens. Amidst ticking clocks and upsetting referee calls, Drew fought hard only to suffer another loss.
Rallying their strength just before going into individual placements and pools, the Rangers delivered another crushing defeat to City College of New York (26-1). Both the saber and foil squads scored uplifting 9-0 wins, reviving their spirits for the hard bouts ahead.
Tensions were high as fencers scrambled to their respective courts and strips to begin the fight in the placement round. Facing off against Vassar, well-earned screams sounded with every solid bout won; the Rangers were set on victory. Épée Caira Blake (‘24) showed her colors with a striking 3-0 triumph and even went on to place ninth individually for women’s épée with a 10-2 record. Despite an arduous struggle, the Rangers suffered a close defeat (14-13) in the end.
With a NIWFA meet and Regionals coming up on March 2 and 9, respectively, at home, the Rangers are looking to end the season with a strong finish against the challenging schools they will face in the coming weeks.
Eva Esqueda is a sophomore majoring in media & communications and minoring in French, film and American studies.
