PHILADELPHIA — The Columbia women's fencing team rattled off five victories to cap a solid weekend at the Philadelphia Invitational Sunday. The Lions avenged their loss to Notre Dame from yesterday and topped Temple, NYU, Northwestern and Wayne State.
 
Ariana Mangano led all fencers, going 9-1 on the day in epee. Megan Liang and Chloe Gouhin were 6-1 in sabre.
 
"I'm so proud of our women's team for back-to-back strong performances this weekend," head coach Michael Aufrichtig said. "Our preparation paid off tremendously today to score those crucial touches when it mattered. I'm looking forward to our next practice Tuesday and another weekend of competition."
 
In round one, the Lions topped the Owls 18-9. Foil had the most decisive decision, 7-2, of the weapons, with Sofia Gaydos earning victories in all three bouts. Mangano posted a 3-0 record against Temple in epee to start the day strong.
 
Columbia powered past NYU, 21-6, in the first afternoon session. Epee posted an 8-1 mark in the matchup, highlighted by a 3-0 mark by Karolina Nixon. Tamar Gordon was also 3-0 in sabre.
 
The Lions' sabre squad proved to be the difference in a thrilling 14-13 victory over the Fighting Irish. After being edged in epee and foil, Gouhin topped all three of her Notre Dame opponents and Daniella Timofeyev took 2-of-3 for a 6-3 sabre win.
 
Against Northwestern, it was another close battle, with Columbia edging the Wildcats by one bout. Mangano's 3-0 mark in epee was the key to canceling out a 6-3 Northwestern win in foil. Gordon, Timofeyev and Anna Li went 5-4 in sabre to put the Lions over the top.
 
Columbia closed the day with a 25-2 victory over Wayne State. Epee earned a 9-0 win and the Lions' sabre only had to face one opponent to wrap up the event.
 
Both teams are back in action Sunday, January 29, for five rounds of competition at the LIU Shark Showcase in Brooklyn. The Lions will take on LIU, CCNY (women only), Hunter College (men only), St. John's, Princeton and Yale.
 
For the latest on Columbia's fencing programs, follow @CULionsFencing on Twitter and Instagram and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.