UPDATE: The Yale Bulldogs men’s fencing team has kicked off their season with an impressive performance at the Vassar Open Invitational, winning all five of their matches. Last weekend, the Bulldogs showcased their dominance, starting with a convincing 21-6 victory against Drew University.
After their opening win, the Bulldogs continued to overpower their opponents, defeating Stevens College by a score of 21-6, followed by a 19-8 triumph over Lafayette College. They then took down Johns Hopkins University 18-9 and finished the day with a commanding 19-8 victory against Sacred Heart University.
Captain Jordan Silberzweig ’27 expressed excitement about the team’s performance, stating, “After months of preparation and long morning practices, we came in hungry to compete at a high level.” This victory marks a strong start as they build momentum toward the upcoming season.
Last season, the Bulldogs finished with a record of 18-7 and were undefeated in the Vassar Invitational. Notably, they are looking to improve on their 11th place finish out of 33 teams at the NCAA Championships last year. This season, the team welcomes back three NCAA Championship qualifiers, including Tony Whelan ’26, Silberzweig, and Castor Kao ’28, who is currently ranked 6th in the nation for foil competition.
Meanwhile, the women’s team also had a strong showing, finishing with a record of 6-1 in their matches over the weekend. They achieved dominant victories, including a stunning 21-0 win against Yeshiva University and a 20-1 triumph over Lafayette College. They also secured wins against Tufts (18-9), Wagner, and Wellesley College (both 19-8), but narrowly lost to Cornell by just one point, 13-14.
Women’s captain Amanda O’Donnell ’26 noted the team’s potential, commenting, “The past meet went well. We beat six teams, including Brown, which set a really good tone for the rest of the season.” With four incoming first-years who have previously ranked in the top four in their country, the women’s team is poised for an exciting season ahead.
Looking forward, both teams are set to compete in the Tri-State Shark Showcase in Brooklyn on November 23, 2024. Fans can expect thrilling matches as the Bulldogs aim for continued success this season. The energy and enthusiasm from both the men’s and women’s teams signal a promising year for Yale fencing.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!
