Dec. 3, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Sacred Heart women's fencing team defeated Drew University by a score of 17-10 in competition at the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The epee squad was led by sophomore squad captain Catie Sagevick and junior Mary Dannegger, who had 3-0 records.

"This was a breakout win for our team, especially for the epee squad," said head coach Tom Vrabel. "We were soundly beaten by Drew last year and it is great for the team to get a quality win like this so early in the season."

The hard work that the epee squad has been putting in over the past two years is really starting to pay of as they gain confidence in their games," he concluded.

Also starring for the Pioneers in the win was sophomore saber squad captain Krista Bacci, who also had a 3-0 record.

In other action this weekend, the team lost to perennial powers UPenn 20-7 and Harvard 21-6.

"These results are a great improvement for the team, who lost to these schools25-2 and 24-3 last year," said Vrabel. "Not only did our records improve but many of our losses were by only one touch"

The epee squad again led the way, going 4-5 against UPenn and beating Harvard 5-4. The star aqainst Harvard was Dannegger who went 3-0 for the meet and ended up 6-2 for the weekend.

"Our progress against these strong programs is very encouraging and will put us in a good position for success when conference competition begins in January," Vrabel said.

The team will be back in action on Saturday with a noon match at Yale and will be at the Pitt Center for a meet against Yeshiva, NJIT and Hunter College this Sunday at 10 AM.