Fencers Defeat Holy Cross, 19-8, Without Resorting to First Team

Harvard fencers beat Holy Cross, 19-8, yesterday afternoon without the first team even drawing its weapons.

Five second-string swordsmen, including three sophomores, took all three of their bouts as the Crimson swept the sabers, 9-0, and won, 7-2, in the foils. Harvard's epee team lost, 6-3.

Sophomores Bob Barnard and Ron Winfield and junior John Gersh shut out the Crusader sabers. Sophomore John Fouts and junior Charles Lovell gained three victories each to pace the foils.

Coach Edo Marion had his first team on hand "just in case" against Holy Cross, which he called "the most improved team in New England."

"This is the first time I've seen correct teaching at Holy Cross," Marion said. "They were still very shy and timid, probably because of their inexperience."

Marion was surprised by the disappointing performance of his epee team. "We should have done better," he said. "I guess we just didn't have the courage and drive to attack often enough."

Looking ahead to next Saturday's important match with C.C.N.Y., Marion plans to gradually work his first team into competition. "I thought my sophomores could get some experience against Holy Cross" he said. "I'll use a mixture of my first and second team against Southeastern Mass. Tech. [this] Saturday and send my full first team to M.I.T. next Wednesday."

Harvard's victory yesterday extended its perfect record against Holy Cross. Last year, the Crusaders placed third ahead of the Crimson in the New England Intercollegiate Fencing Championships.