Columbia's Fencers Finish Near the Top at Kansas City North American Cup
12/14/2011 2:05:00 PM | Fencing
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A number of Columbians placed among the top fencers in the world at the recent Kansas City North American Cup, an Olympic qualifying event that concluded on December 12.
In Division I women's sabre, current assistant coach and 2010 Columbia graduate Daria Schneider was second among 73 entries.
Columbia's current women's sabre squad members Loweye Diedro (12th), Essane Diedro (19th) and Sammy Roberts (21st) all had strong showings.
In Division I women's foil, Columbia's Nzingha Prescod placed sixth out of 77 fencers. Prescod is currently taking a year off from school to vie for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team. Current junior D'Meca Homer finished 19th in another strong finish.
Two Columbia standout epeeists - junior Lydia Kopecky and sophomore Katya English - competed well in Division I women's epee. Among 104 entries, Kopecky finished 13th overall while English was 21st.
On the men's side, Columbia sophomore Mel Rodriguez continued his strong season, finishing 33rd in Division I men's sabre, just missing the top 32 in a draw that featured 100 entries. Former Columbia standout James Williams '07 was second and Jeff Spear '10 was third overall.
In Division I men's foil, another 2010 graduate, Kurt Getz, came in fifth overall. 131 fencers competed in men's foil.
Two other alumni had strong finishes in Division I men's epee. 2009 Columbia alum Lorenzo Casertano placed sixth out of 188 fencers, while 2010 graduate Dwight Smith finished 16th.
Columbia will send even more current fencers to the next North American Cup this season. The Lions will fence in their season opener at the Portland North American Cup, taking place January 13-16 in Portland, Oregon.
Players Mentioned
