Feb. 29, 2008

WEST POINT, N.Y. - On Sunday, nine Tar Heels traveled to West Point, N.Y., to participate in the Mid Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association Tournament. North Carolina finished in second place overall after being edged out by Johns Hopkins by a single bout.

The men's sabre team finished the tournament with a record of 34-3 and took first place in that weapon. Freshman Kevin Ziechmann took first in the B pool with a record of 12-1. Will Randolph, a senior, finished first in the C pool posting a record of 10-1. Junior Bobby Ziechmann went 12-1, finishing second in the A pool. Head Coach Ron Miller was pleased with his team's performance.

"The sabre team certainly did its job, going 34-3 on the day and sweeping the eventual champion, Johns Hopkins," Miller said.

Joining the sabre team in first for its weapon was the men's foil team, finishing 35-6 in the tournament. Junior Alex Grigorenko took third in the A pool, winning 11 bouts and losing only two. Joining him were seniors Joe Pipkin and Jamie Lawrence who both finished 12-2.

The men's epee team finished third overall in its weapon, going 31-11 on the day. Freshman Eric Hsieh had 11 victories. Joining him were senior Benton Heimsath and freshman Jarrett Rodrigues who both finished 10-4.

This was the first MACFA tournament for North Carolina. Despite the second place finish, the Tar Heels see it as a good experience for future competition, including next year's MACFA tournament and the upcoming NCAA Regionals.

"It was a rough tournament that ended with a disappointing loss, but I think we came out with a better understanding of who we are, who the MACFA is and we'll be ready to go in and take the win next year," Randolph said.

Miller also sees the value of Sunday's experience.

"It was important for them to have a tightly contested event prior to the Regionals," Miller said. "It should pay strong dividends in improving their focus and energy for the NCAA Regionals this weekend."

Saturday the Tar Heels travel to Drew University in Madison, N.J., for the Mid Atlantic South Regionals. North Carolina will have 24 representatives.

Competing in women's epee are junior Christina Abruzzini, sophomores Claire Brandow and Breta Kotkin and freshman Melissa Litschi. Representing women's foil are senior Katie Rebich, junior Meredith Peck, sophomore May-Lynne Chen-Contino and freshman Kaitlin Williamson. Juniors Jennifer Clark and Monica Kim along with sophomores Patti Sanders and Jennifer Sawicki will represent in women's sabre.

Representing men's epee will be senior Benton Heimsath, junior Benjamin Gellis and freshmen Jarrett Rodrigues and Eric Hsieh. Seniors Jamie Lawrence and Joe Pipkin along with juniors Alex Grigorenko and Nate Seaman will represent men's foil. In men's sabre are senior Will Randolph, junior Bobby Ziechmann, and freshmen Kevin Ziechmann and David Winer. Many will build on their experiences at the MACFA tournament.

"I think it was a good warm-up for NCAA Regionals for everyone involved," Randolph said. "It should work as a little kick in the butt to remember not to get complacent at any point."