July 23, 2008

FAIRFIELD, CT - Sacred Heart University women's fencing team captain Krista Bacci and incoming freshman epeeist Amanda Green have enjoyed excellent spring/summer campaigns in United States Fencing Association competitions.

Junior saber fencer Krista Bacci placed second in the North Atlantic Sectional Championships in late March. She continued her success by placing 3rd at the Bergen Saber Cup on May 31st and capped off her action by earning the bronze medal at the Division 2 USFA National Championship held in San Jose in early July. With this third place finish Bacci also earned her B08 competition rating.

"Krista has continued to build on her success in qualifying for this year's NCAA Championship by having excellent results in USFA events," commented head coach Dr. Tom Vrabel. "She continues to improve and I feel that she will keep improving her skill level and results throughout her Pioneer career. I know that one of her goals is to become an All American while at SHU and I have yet to see Krista be unsuccessful in achieving a goal that she sets for herself. She will be a great team captain this year and will continue to lead by example both on and off the fencing strip."

In addition to Bacci's success, incoming freshman epeeist Amanda Green (Flemington NJ/Hunterdon Central HS) has also had a stellar spring and summer. Green's campaign culminated in early July in San Jose, CA with her placing 23rd at the Division 1A USFA National Championship and being a starter on the Medeo Fencing Club and School epee team that placed 5th in the US Senior National Team Championship and 6th in the Junior National Team Championship.

Her late season run began on April 20th when Amanda won the New Jersey Cup Series Cobra Tournament. She continued with a gold medal result in the Mid-Atlantic Junior Sectional Championship, which qualified her for both the Junior and Division 1A National Championships. On May 18, Green won the Hayfever Open where she earned her B08 competition rating. This was followed by a silver medal performance at the Mr. Ma Cup and a bronze medal result at the USFA New Jersey Divisional Championship. Her success in New Jersey Division events throughout the year earned Amanda her second consecutive New Jersey Cup Championship.

"We are very excited with Amanda's continued development and recent performances," said Coach Vrabel. "She will be entering the team with the most accomplished resume of any Pioneer female fencing recruit. With Amanda joining Krista, we now have two strong contenders for both first team all league honors and qualifying for the NCAA championships. I also look for returning fencers such as Jo Siskidis (foil) and Allyson Ratis (epee) to continue to improve and join Bacci and Green as strong possibilities as first team all league performers."

The Pioneer Women will kick off the 2008-2009 season at the "Big One" Intercollegiate Tournament in early November.