On March 23, 1994, Columbia defeated Penn State for the the NCAA team fencing championship. Thus weekend, the two teams will renew acquaintances in New York City, but under slightly different circumstances.

First of all, they won't be alone -- Temple and Pennsylvania will join the two teams at 10 a.m. tomorrow. And Columbia, which won its title as one of the most dominating teams in collegiate fencing, heads into this weekend not quite as strong.

"Columbia used to be a very, very strong opponent for us," Penn State Coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said. "But the last couple of years they haven't been the same. But (they) are still very strong."

Also expected to challenge is Penn, which is coming off a win against Yale three weeks ago.

"Penn is a tough team and is very strong in all weapons -- they have a good women's epee squad and their sabre and foil squads are also respectable," Kaidanov said. "It will be a good matchup."

As for Temple, Kaidanov said it is traditionally strong in the women's weapons. The Lady Lion squad holds a losing record against the Owls over the last few years.

"I beleive that right now, our women are in the minuses against them," Kaidanov said. "We are catching up, but we are still behind."

Also working against Penn State is the fact that this will be its second consecutive weekend on the road since its last home match on Jan. 28.

But captain Andy Gearhart said because the trip to New York is relativly short, and because the team won't be staying with host families as it did last weekend, Penn State won't be affected.

"Since it's only a five-hour trip, we'll be together almost the whole time and it will help us stay focused," he said. "If we stay focused, we will do well."