UPDATE: The Bulldogs men’s fencing team has kicked off their season with an impressive performance at the Vassar Open Invitational, winning all five of their matches this past weekend. This strong start is a critical boost as the team aims to build momentum for the upcoming competitions.
In a dominant display, the Bulldogs first faced Drew University, securing a commanding 21-6 victory. They continued their winning streak against Stevens College with another 21-6 win, followed by a 19-8 triumph over Lafayette College. The team then defeated Johns Hopkins University 18-9, before finishing the day with a decisive 19-8 win against Sacred Heart University.
Captain Jordan Silberzweig ’27 expressed excitement about the team’s performance, stating, “After months of preparation and long morning practices, we came in hungry to compete at a high level.” The Bulldogs are particularly enthusiastic about their incoming freshman class, aiming to channel this energy into their Ivy League Championship aspirations.
Last season, the Bulldogs concluded with a record of 18-7 and faced challenges during the Ivy League Invitational, where they lost all four matches. This year, they look to improve, especially with the return of three NCAA Championship qualifiers: Tony Whelan ’26, Silberzweig, and Castor Kao ’28, who is currently ranked sixth in the country in foil competition.
Meanwhile, the women’s fencing team also showed strength, going 6-1 in their tournament. They achieved remarkable victories against Yeshiva University and Lafayette College, dominating with scores of 21-0 and 20-1 respectively. They also defeated Tufts 18-9 and both Wagner and Wellesley College 19-8, suffering a narrow loss to Cornell University 13-14.
Women’s team captain Amanda O’Donnell ’26 shared her optimism following the tournament, stating, “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 highlighted the potential of their four incoming first-years, who have previously ranked in the top four in their countries for their age categories.
The Bulldogs will next compete at the Tri-State Shark Showcase in Brooklyn on November 23, 2023, where they aim to maintain their winning streak and further establish their dominance in the fencing community.
As both teams look ahead, they are focused on improving their performances at the Ivy League Championships in 2026, seeking to build on this promising start to the season. The excitement surrounding the Bulldogs is palpable as they strive for excellence in the upcoming matches.
