UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Columbia fencing crowned five All-Americans Friday, as the Lion men wrapped up competition at the NCAA Championships Friday. The Lions surged into second place with 77 wins, trailing Notre Dame by 10 at the event's halfway point.
 
Men's sabre was the first to wrap on Friday, with Morrill leading the charge, going 5-2 to pick up a fifth-place finish. The first-year was tied with five other fencers for second place, but fell short of a podium spot by seven touches in his indicator score.
 
In foil, Kumbla and Nagimov finished sixth and seventh. Kumbla was 5-3 to close the tournament for his second consecutive All-America nod. Nagimov reached the elite status for the first time in his career after posting a 4-4 mark Friday.
 
Haddad stormed up eight spots in the standings to earn sixth place with a 6-1 record, narrowly missing out on reaching the semifinal round. After a strong opening day, Kushnerik won two bouts to place 12th.
 
The women's competition opens on Saturday, March 22, beginning with epee at 9 a.m., followed by the opening rounds of foil at 11 a.m. and sabre at 1:30 p.m. Fans can catch the action live on Penn State's YouTube Channel.
 
For the latest on Columbia's fencing programs, follow @CULionsFencing on Twitter and Instagram and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
 
FINAL INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS
Men's Epee
6. Justin Haddad (13-9, +14 Ind.)
12. Ethan Kushnerik (11-11, +1 Ind.)
 
Men's Foil
6. Samarth Kumbla (14-9, +22 Ind.)
7. Marsel Nagimov (13-10, +13 Ind.)
 
Men's Sabre
5. Will Morrill (16-6, +23 Ind.)
15. Jackson McBride (10-12, -6 Ind.)