Crimson Fencers Split Weekend Meets With MIT

"This year we just don't have the horses to run the race," coach Branmir Zivkovic said after his fencers lost to crosstown rival MIT, 15-12, Saturday at the IAB.

Zivkovic's statement summed up a lackadaisical performance by the Crimson, typical of this 3-4 season.

Only the foilsmen won, 5-4 led once again by sensational 17-year-old freshman David Merner. Merner's speed and sophisticated manuevers were in good form as he won two bouts and lost one.

The weak epee team lost, 6-3. the only bright spot being tow wins posted by junior Kent Libbey. Libbey rose to the occasion, displaying a heretofore unexhibited confidence by slicing by his tow MIT opponents.

The sabremen went down to a close defeat. 5-4, but their loss was particularly discouraging to Zivkovic, who said, "The sabre score tells the story."

The sabre has consistently been the strongest of the three weapons for the Crimson this year, but Saturday normally powerful captain Jim Goldenring and freshman David Heyman could tally only one bout each.

Mike Bierer won two of his sabre bouts after dropping his opener. Bierer, last year's number one sabreman, returned to the team after being out all season with an injury.