Photo by: Andy Mead/YCJ
Fencing Completes Day One at NCAA Championships
3/23/2023 5:44:00 PM | Fencing
The Lions are in second place after the men opened up round-robin action
DURHAM, N.C. — After day one of the NCAA Championships, Columbia fencing sits in second place after the men's round robins opened up the four-day event. The Lions racked up 52 points on the day and trail first-place Notre Dame, who have 62 points after three sessions.
"It was a really competitive first day," said head coach Michael Aufrichtig. "We had a lot of close bouts and will need to come away with a few more wins in that category tomorrow. We've put ourselves in a decent position and we will continue to keep fencing touch-by-touch to give ourselves a chance at the team title later this weekend."
Men's epee kicked things off, and Teddy Lombardo ripped off six-straight victories in the first session to highlight an 11-4 day to put him in second heading into Saturday. First-year Skyler Liverant is 12th at 8-7 with eight bouts on deck tomorrow.
Ashton Daniel vaulted up the men's foil standings after winning nine of his first 11 matchups and put himself within striking distance of a top-four finish after closing the day with a 11-4 mark. Joon Paik wrapped things up with a 2-2 finish in the third round and was 6-9 overall.
"Teddy and Ashton are both really experienced and that showed today with their performances," Aufrichtig said. "I'm proud of how they are leading the team. I'm looking forward to seeing how they finish things out tomorrow."
In men's sabre, the Lions closed the gap with the Irish after solid outings from Colby Harley and Christopher Walker. The first-year took 3-of-4 in the third round to match Walker's mark of 8-6 to stay in the mix for the semifinals.
The men wrap up the competition Friday at 9 a.m. with two more round-robin sessions. Fans can catch the early action on GoDuke.com. After the round robins, the top-four finishers in each weapon will fence in semifinal 15-touch bouts, with winners fencing to determine first and second places and non-advancing fencers being awarded a tie for third place. The semifinal and championship bouts will follow at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
An institution's place finish in the championships will be based on points earned by each individual. A team will be awarded one point for each victory by its student-athletes during the round-robin competition.
For the latest on Columbia's fencing programs, follow @CULionsFencing on Twitter and Instagram and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS THROUGH THREE ROUNDS
Men's Epee
2. Teddy Lombardo
12. Skyler Liverant
Men's Foil
5. Ashton Daniel
15. Joon Paik
Men's Sabre
7. Christopher Walker
8. Colby Harley
"It was a really competitive first day," said head coach Michael Aufrichtig. "We had a lot of close bouts and will need to come away with a few more wins in that category tomorrow. We've put ourselves in a decent position and we will continue to keep fencing touch-by-touch to give ourselves a chance at the team title later this weekend."
Men's epee kicked things off, and Teddy Lombardo ripped off six-straight victories in the first session to highlight an 11-4 day to put him in second heading into Saturday. First-year Skyler Liverant is 12th at 8-7 with eight bouts on deck tomorrow.
Ashton Daniel vaulted up the men's foil standings after winning nine of his first 11 matchups and put himself within striking distance of a top-four finish after closing the day with a 11-4 mark. Joon Paik wrapped things up with a 2-2 finish in the third round and was 6-9 overall.
"Teddy and Ashton are both really experienced and that showed today with their performances," Aufrichtig said. "I'm proud of how they are leading the team. I'm looking forward to seeing how they finish things out tomorrow."
In men's sabre, the Lions closed the gap with the Irish after solid outings from Colby Harley and Christopher Walker. The first-year took 3-of-4 in the third round to match Walker's mark of 8-6 to stay in the mix for the semifinals.
The men wrap up the competition Friday at 9 a.m. with two more round-robin sessions. Fans can catch the early action on GoDuke.com. After the round robins, the top-four finishers in each weapon will fence in semifinal 15-touch bouts, with winners fencing to determine first and second places and non-advancing fencers being awarded a tie for third place. The semifinal and championship bouts will follow at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
An institution's place finish in the championships will be based on points earned by each individual. A team will be awarded one point for each victory by its student-athletes during the round-robin competition.
For the latest on Columbia's fencing programs, follow @CULionsFencing on Twitter and Instagram and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS THROUGH THREE ROUNDS
Men's Epee
2. Teddy Lombardo
12. Skyler Liverant
Men's Foil
5. Ashton Daniel
15. Joon Paik
Men's Sabre
7. Christopher Walker
8. Colby Harley
Players Mentioned
FOIL
/ Fencing
SABRE
/ Fencing
EPEE
/ Fencing
EPEE
/ Fencing
FOIL
/ Fencing
SABRE
/ FencingInterview: FENCE | Kumbla After NCAA Championship
Sunday, March 22
Highlight: FENCE | Kumbla Clinches Foil Title
Sunday, March 22
Interview: FENCE | Anne Cebula & Jackie Dubrovich Headed Paris Olympics
Wednesday, July 24
Interview: FENCE | Bogdan Hamilton Previews Paris Olympics
Tuesday, July 23
