Over 320 fencers will begin the quest for the United States Fencing Association's collegiate title tomorrow in White Building. The culmination of such talent and excitement will be largest of its kind in USFA history.

"We've revolutionized the tournament," Coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said. "The geographic representation is excellent -- it's the biggest collegiate tournament ever since (the USFA) was established in 1983."

Schools from all corners of the United States will be represented at this weekend's meet, including MIT, Rice, Long Beach State, University of North Carolina, Penn and Columbia.

Lisa Posthumus, Katie Kowalski, Jennifer Carcich and Janet Rossman will start for the Lady Lions. Jim Marsh, Geoff Russell and Lou Kun will start in epee; Ed Mufel, Stephen Flores and Stephen Gold in foil; and David Cox, Chris Reuter and Ali Rezezadah in sabre.

With such a tournament to look forward to, the excitement began to surge among these fencers earlier this week. The fencing room had already begun to glow as practice started Wednesday.

"It's gonna be a good toumament," Marsh said. "I can feel it!"

Only the second team competition of the year, this meet will demand the Lions to again unite and fence as a team.

"It is a little different," Russell said. "You can't just go out and fence for yourself. You can take the team up or down."

The fencers feel confident about the weekend, though. They not only feel sure of themselves, but also of their teammates.

"It's going to be a rocky tournament," Kowalski said.

"We'll have teams that give us no problem whatsoever, teams that will give us some problems, and teams that will be really tough, like Notre Dame."

Notre Dame will be one of the strongest competitors the Lions will face this weekend. Earlier this year, Notre Dame fencers were strong contenders for the individual titles at the Penn State Garrett Open.

Duke fencers also placed in the Garrett Open. Matt Andreseen, its No. 1 epee fencer, is also the junior epee champion and placed fourth in last year's NCAA Championships.

However, the Lions hope to rely upon their depth, a quality which assistant coach Wes Glon believes other teams lack.

"Many schools base their programs on recruiting one player from overseas," Glon said. "They may have one or two good fencers, but no depth.

"The women's foil and men's epee teams seem to be our two strongest," he added. "They have been our most consistent weapons so far this season. They both have balance; no one stands out."