The fencing team hosted the Queen’s Invitational last weekend at Duncan McArthur gymnasium, attracting fencers from Carleton University, University of Toronto, McGill University, Trent University, Brock University, the Royal Military College, University of Western Ontario and several non-university clubs.
This incarnation of the tournament was slightly different than previous years, contributing in part to a larger turnout. In previous tournaments fencers could only compete if they were not internationally ranked. This year, all fencers could compete, resulting in a larger tournament with higher competition.
“We had 77 men’s epée fencers, 56 women’s foil and 59 men’s sabre competing” said Queen’s women’s fencing captain Stacey McDonald.
There were two opposing fencers who compete on Canada’s national fencing team.
“They actually had to hitchhike to get here,” said McDonald.
Although the Queen’s Invitational doesn’t affect OUA rankings, men’s foil captain and assistant coach Christian Petrozza said it was a great opportunity for rookie fencers to get a taste of university fencing competition.
“We had a lot of rookies out this weekend,” he said. “Since I’ve started coaching I’ve actually seen them grow. I’m really happy with their results. The dynamic this weekend is all about team competition. They definitely excel at that.” The Queen’s teams garnered success at the tournament, winning a gold medal in men’s epée and a bronze medal in men’s sabre.
Both McDonald and Petrozza said they’re pleased with their teams’ performances so far this year.
Petrozza said the Queen’s Invitational differs from other interuniversity tournaments because it’s open to all ages and internationally-ranked opponents.
“Most of our fencers are rookies and a lot of them finished in the top thirty-two if they made it past the first elimination,” said Petrozza.
Queens will compete in the two OUA qualifiers at RMC this year, which will determine OUA rankings.
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