Feb. 22, 2011
DALLAS, Texas – Four University of Notre Dame fencers concluded competition at the 2011 United States Fencing Association (USFA) Junior Olympics Monday at the Dallas Convention Center. Michael Rossi (men’s epee) and Abigail Nichols (women’s sabre) each placed in the top 10 of their respective weapon.
Rossi ended the four-day event in seventh place overall in men’s epee. He advanced first out of his pool with a perfect 6-0 record and a +17 indicator, seeding him 13th in the direct elimination rounds. The freshman advanced into the table of eight with a convincing 15-7 victory over Alen Hadzic, before falling to Logan Cros Koester in the quarterfinals, 15-11. James Kaull also competed with Rossi in men’s epee competition, finishing 12th overall and just missing out on the table of eight after a 15-8 loss to Edward Kelly.
Nichols also just missed the table of eight, finishing ninth overall in the women’s sabre. The sophomore posted a 6-0 pool play record with a +25 indicator to earn the top spot entering direct elimination and advanced to the round of 16 with ease before dropping a 15-8 bout to Alisha Gomez for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Nickolas Kubik represented the final Irish participant, competing in men’s foil. The freshman finished with a 5-1 pool play record with a +12 indicator before falling to Dillon Lew in his first direct elimination match, 15-5.
The four Irish combatants and their fellow teammates return to the strip March 5-6 at the Midwest Fencing Championships, which the team plays hosts to at the Joyce Center Fieldhouse.
Complete Notre Dame Results:
Men's Epee:7. Michael Rossi12. James Kaull
Men's Foil:66. Nickolas Kubik
Women's Sabre:9. Abigail Nichols
–ND–