The Temple University women’s fencing team returned home to Philadelphia last weekend for its Senior Meet, taking on tough competition while honoring graduating seniors in their final appearance at McGonigle Hall.
Competing across all three weapons – foil, epee, and saber – the Owls faced a strong field that included the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State, and St. John’s University. Despite the challenging competition, Temple secured multiple victories throughout the day.
Samantha Nathanson, a sophomore saber fencer, said the team was motivated not just by winning, but by sending their seniors off the right way.
“We try to honor our seniors off with the best way we can by getting a lot of wins,” Nathanson said.
The Senior Meet marked Temple’s final home competition of the season, making emotions run high for both underclassmen and graduating athletes. Freshman Reese Birnstill emphasized the close-knit nature of the team.
“We really bond with each other… We really are all friends and really enjoy spending time with each other,” Birnstill said.
That sense of connection made the farewell especially difficult. Sophomore saber fencer Alexandra Papapetropoulou said the importance of the moment was felt throughout the team.
“First of all, it’s the last meet of the season, so it’s just very emotional, but we are also saying goodbye to our seniors. It’s the last meet that we all have together,” she said.
For the seniors themselves, the meet brought mixed emotions. Senior epee fencer Anne-Mai Melles reflected on her time with the team.
“Right now, even, I feel a lot of sadness, but at the same time I’m so grateful that this time has been like it has been here,” Melles said.
The Owls will now turn their focus to the NIWFA Championships next weekend in Madison, New Jersey. While the season continues, the Senior Meet marked the final home appearance for Temple’s graduating fencers.
Be the first to comment