November 8, 1998

Notre Dame, Ind.– Individuals from the Notre Dame fencing team competed in the Max Garret Penn State Open this past weekend. The Notre Dame team sent 21 fencers to University Park, Pennsylvania for a preseason tune-up.

Notre Dame’s women’s epee squad was represented by a first place showing from 1997 NCAA women’s epee champion Magda Krol. Fellow women epeeists Kiersten Ferguson and captain Nicole Mustilli placed 22nd and 27th respectively.

Irish women’s foilists and three-time All-Americans Myriah Brown and Sara Walsh both finished in the top ten. Walsh placed fifth, while Brown took the number seven spot. Aimee Kalogera (26th), Stacey Noem (37), Gina Couri (48th) and Liz Dailey (50) also represented the Irish fencing team in women’s foil.

The 1998 NCAA sabre champion, Luke LaValle, finished ahead of all the competition placing first. Freshman Andre Crompton placed fifth in sabre. Veteran sabrists George Viamontes and Brian Banas finished 26th and 43rd respectively.

In men’s foil Charles Hayes was the top Irish competitor gaining a number 14 finish. Freshman Steve Mautone had a strong showing finishing 22nd. Senior Mick Swiney, junior Chris Brough and senior, captain Stephane Auriol placed 40th, 43rd and 52nd respectively.

Freshman Brian Casas was the bright spot for the Irish competitors in men’s epee. Casas had a 16th place showing while fellow epeeists Dominic Guarnaschelli, Scott Gabler and Nitin Chandra finished 45th, 51st and 55th respectively.