Fencers to face four teams

By DARREN STEELE
Collegian Staff Writer

It is back to action for the Penn State fencing team this weekend.

The Nittany Lions will travel to Temple for a meet with St. John's, Ohio State, Northwestern, and the host Owls Sunday at 10 a.m.

Recently, Penn State has been paired against some tough competition. In its last appearance, the women's team came out on top against top-ranked opponents such as Notre Dame and Stanford. This week it will face a tough road, as it faces its archrival in the No. 6 Owls.

"Temple is a very motivated team," said Penn State captain Carla Esteva. "They really want to win, that makes them a difficult team to fence. We just need to clam down."

The No. 4 Buckeyes are a well-balanced team, with a great foil fencer in Nicole Kina. Kina was the 1997 NCAA individual champion, in the foil. The match between Esteva and Kina could be one for the ages. Esteva was a 1997 All-American and was an honorable mention All-American in 1998.

Sickness could play a role in the women's chances this Sunday. Charlotte Walker, a All-American and NCAA individual epee champion last season has the flu and was absent from practice on Thursday.

"I am worried that Charlotte doesn't feel well," said Stephanie Eim. "But, we should still fare pretty well this weekend."

Coach Emmanuil Kaidanov is optimistic about the women's chances.

"I don't expect big trouble from St.John's," Kaidanov said. "Temple is traditionally a strong team and they are sort of a rivalry."

St. John's may not pose that much of a threat to the women, but for the men it could be another story.

The Red Storm has a lot of talent, including a strong epee squad. They also have the No. 1 saber fencer in the nation, in Keith Smart.

"St. John's is very big on the men's side," Kaidanov said. "They are a team that can beat anyone. They have a number of leaders."

Penn State may have trouble competing in Smart's event. Penn State's top saber fencer, Mike Takagi, a 1998 All-American sophomore, is still nursing a knee injury. Senior Don McGill is also recovering from an ankle injury, but is expected to perform.

"St. John's has John Tyomkin," said senior David Lidow. "He has made some pretty good strides. He could be the toughest foil fencer we have seen. I think we'll come out strong though."

Lidow has been strong in his own right. He performed well two weeks ago against a strong Notre Dame team.

Overall, this weekend could be an exciting one for both the men and the women. If they can overcome a few injuries it may be a winning one.