Vloka, Kiefer Medal At Penn State Open

Two gold-medal finishes represented the strength of the Harvard fencing team in its opening tournament at the Penn State Open this weekend. Reigning national champion Caroline Vloka and freshman Alexandra Kiefer both garnered gold medals for the Crimson, while freshman teammate Michael Raynis earned a silver medal and junior co-captain Valentin Staller a bronze medal in the epée and sabre, respectively.

The results are even more impressive because of the level of competition the Harvard fencers faced. The University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Ohio State, and Duke were all contenders for last year’s NCAA championship.

“This was a tremendous start to the season,” Harvard coach Peter Brand said. “All the top schools competed in the tournament...and Harvard overall dominated. It was one of our better showings in a long time here.”

“The tournament was a really important competition for us,” Staller added. “All the best schools were there, and it sort of showed us where we are at this point in the season.”

Although the men did not have a gold medalist, they did record two top-15 finishers in each of the three respective weapons. Raynis was supported in the epée by junior James Hawrot, who finished eighth, and sophomore Benjamin Cohen, who finished 26th. In the foil, freshman Lucas Lin took eighth, and co-captain Hao Meng finished 11th. But it was the sabre that boasted the strongest showing, with three Crimson top-10 finishers by the swords of Staller, freshman Eric Arzoian, and sophomore Thomas Kolasa, who finished second, fifth, and 10th, respectively.

Even without the gold, the depth of the men’s side will play to its advantage.

“We have some superstars, but we also have some depth [on the men’s team],” Brand said. “In each weapon we have some representation, and it shows in the results.”

During the tournament, the superstars were found on the women’s side with the efforts of Kiefer and Vloka. Also turning in respectable finishes were sophomore Nadia Eldeib and freshman Dakota Root, who finished 15th and 17th in the epée, junior Shelby MacLeod, who took 23rd in the foil, and junior co-captain Hayley Levitt and sophomore Elena Helgiu, who placed 19th and 23rd in the sabre.

“The women showed some of the terrific individual fencers we have on board,” Brand said. “[The women] don’t have the depth of the men...but they’re a very cohesive team.”

Notably missing from the women’s squad was junior Noam Mills, who is currently competing at the World Championships. Mills, who fences the epée, was the second-place finisher in the NCAA championships last year and garnered All-American and All-Ivy first-team honors.

Vloka helped support the absence of her teammate, despite a lingering wrist injury. The national champion captured the gold in the sabre, laying the groundwork for another NCAA title this spring.

“She’s obviously one of the most competitive people I’ve ever worked with at Harvard,” Brand said. “The injury is a concern...but she’s determined to compete. I’m confident she’ll stay strong...and certainly has a shot at repeating this year.”

Even with the star power of the upperclassmen, the recruits this year are showing their colors as well, proving that a small but talented class can make an impact early. All but one of the freshmen finished in the top 20 of the competition, with Kiefer and Raynis capturing medals in their first collegiate appearance.

“Compared to last year’s team, we’re stronger this season with our recruits,” Brand said. “We have the top epée fencer in the country, and Lucas Lin has bolstered our foil squad, which has traditionally been our weakest board. The recruits are already making an impact.”

“We have a fantastic recruiting class this year,” Staller echoed. “They bring a lot of positive energy, experience, and confidence, which are all huge in fencing.”

With a strong group of freshmen and a seasoned band of upperclassmen, the Ivy League title and a solid NCAA tournament showing are within reach for the Harvard fencers.

“This [year], we have a team that is definitely in the running for the Ivy League championship,” Brand said. “To win the title, you need two really good fencers at each weapon...and we have it. We have great individuals and an edge over the competition as a team.”

—Staff writer B. Marjorie Gullick can be reached at gullick@college.harvard.edu.