M. Fencers Nab 2nd And 3rd in Tourney

Outdueled by Princeton in the final round, the Harvard men's fencing team grabbed both the second and third place spots in Saturday's William Webster Invitational Epee Tournement at the Malkin Athletic Center.

Senior Franco Bessagio captured second place in the tournament, but was forced to fence under stress. Bessagio, who was running late for his GREs, abandoned his usually patient style for aggression.

"Bessagio usually sits back and waits to stike, but, because of his GREs, he was attacking quickly," Harvard Captain Nathan Schmulewitz said.

Bessegio's new style did not work to his advantage, however. Princeton senior John Mislow out-dueled Bessegio 6-4, 5-3.

"I'm very relieved," Mislow said. "It's great that I can finish my last year off with this win."

"We're happy we came in second and third, but we might have taken first if [Bessagio] did not have to leave," Schmulewitz said.

Epee Excellence

The tournament, founded by two Harvard Fencing Alumni, included some of the best epee competitors from Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Brandeis. It is an unusual event, because it provides one of the few opportunities for fencers to compete on an individual level and not worry about their team's performance.

This year's competition was not as intensively competitive as it has been in the past, however. Many top fencers were unable to attend because of final exams.

"We are 3-1 overall after a suprising win last weekend over Air Force, but this tournament will not affect our standing," Schmulewitz said.

Senior Chris Niewoehner, who finished in third place, fenced competitively throughout the day. Early, during the round-robin bouts, he displayed great aggravation over losing a bout with fellow teammate, senior Edward Naidich.

Niewoehner was able to channel his intensity into victory later in the day. During a tense semifinal about with sixth place winner, Prinecton's Peter Krauss.

Niewoehner lost his first of three bouts 4-6 to Princeton's Peter Krauss during the semifinal bout.

But, in the second, Niewoehner successfully outdueled his opponent, 5-3, but not without crossing over the strip before he scored the winning touch.

In the third bout, an eager Krauss removed his glasses in a show of confidence, but Niewoehner quickly put him in his place. The Harvard senior caught his opponent off guard with a touch to the head as he blocked his opponent's move to win the contest 5-3.

Fencers Stanley Adams of Princeton and Greg Peters of Yale finished fifth and fourth, respectively.