The fencing teams warmed up for the OUA Qualifiers by participating in the Carleton Invitational Team Relay Tournament in Ottawa last weekend. Twelve teams of three competed against both universities and regional clubs, in an effort to pick four to represent Queen’s at the provincial championships, and to get tournament experience for the rest of the team.
Though most of the performances were mediocre, with many of the teams finishing outside the top 10, the Men’s Foil A team – composed of Christian Petrozza, Dean Loubert and Robert Rundle – finished in fifth, Men’s Sabre A – composed of Scott Bowman, Jamie MacDonald and George Huang – finished sixth, Men’s Epee B – composed of Danny Jang, Robert Rundle and David McBey – finished eighth and Women’s Sabre A – composed of Kristina Han, Stacey McDonald and Mary-Clair Yelovich – finished fifth. The star Gaels’ team of the tournament was the Men’s Epee A, composed of rookies Anton Oentoro, Jack Chen and Mario Gibney, who won bronze in a tight-fought 45-44 finish.
Men’s sabre captain Scott Bowman said that the performance of the rookies was a joy to behold.
“Our rookie teams did well,” he said. “They’re going to pick up next year when the graduating guys leave. We had strong finishes from our second years who were rookies last year. That’s why the men’s epee victory was so exciting. Two of those guys only started fencing last year.”
Bowman said the unconvincing performances from most of the team could be put down to a lack of practice.
“For being the first weekend back after Christmas, most of us hadn’t fenced for a few weeks and we only had three practices,” he said.
In order to succeed at the OUA Eastern Qualifier tournament, Bowman said the team would have to improve its mental focus.
“We need to have the confidence to get that last point. We need to improve the psyche part of it, and that comes with experience,” he said.
As for predictions, Bowman is confident that Queen’s can put in strong, medaling performances at this year’s provincial championship.
“I think we’re going to do well,” he said. “The epee team has shown that they’re in contention for medals. A few of our team were injured this weekend but will be healthy for the OUAs.”
The OUA Qualifier tournament will be held in Peterborough at Trent University between January 31st and February 1st.
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