W. Fencing Tops Yale, 11-5; Men Fall In Epee (8-1), Foil (5-4), Sabre (8-1)

The Harvard women's and men's fencing teams travelled to Yale yesterday and garnered a afternoon split with the Bulldogs. While the women cruised to an 11-5 victory, the men lost 21-6.

For the women (4-1 overall, 3-0 Ivy) the win sets up a highly-anticipated clash with Ancient Eight fencing power Pennsylvania later in February.

Against Yale, co-captain Mayling Birney and freshman Viktoria Danics both won all four of their bouts to provide the necessary margin of victory. Freshman Sara Crasson went 3-1.

"This is great for us," co-captain Kristen Hughes said. "Yale is one of our strongest competitors."

The Crimson has also defeated Princeton and defending national champion Columbia (a 9-7 squeaker in New York City), but faces stiff tests in Pennsylvania, perennial rival Wellesley and Notre Dame, a newcomer to the team's schedule.

Right now we're sitting pretty," Hughes said.

The Men

On the men's side, Yale dominated the sabre and epee divisions, winning both by large 8-1 margins. Harvard salvaged a near-tie in the foil, losing 5-4--with junior co-captain Kwame van Leeuwen winning all three of his foil matches.

Junior Peter Tang won Harvard's only victory in the sabre and sophomore Paul Baez took Harvard's only victory in the epee.