Foiled again
Regional fencing meet dominated by Penn State

By DARREN STEELE
Collegian Staff Writer

It was business as usual for the Penn State fencing team at the Mid-Atlantic/South Regional Championships, March 8 at Fairleigh-Dickinson University.

The men's and women's teams won three of five events and qualified 10 fencers for the NCAA Championships, March 18-21 at Brandies University.

The men will be sending six of its musketeers to the big dance. Junior Gang Lu finished first in the foil competition, followed by fellow foilsman David Lidow.

"I feel pretty happy," Lu said "With Cliff Bayer being gone, it left the door wide open for me."

Sophomore Mike Takagi, was the runner up in the men's sabre competition, and was joined by fellow sabre specialist Aaron Stuewe, who placed eighth.

The men were not done there as senior co-captain Tom Peng placed eighth in the men's epee. He was followed by freshman Daniel Landgren in ninth.

Landgrens' performance was another feather in his cap of impressive performances during his first year as a member of the team.

Penn State's women's squad, meanwhile, qualified four of its members. The Lady Lions were paced by their younger members, including freshman Stephanie Eim.

Eim looked good from the very start of the season at the Garret Invitational. She proved to be just as dominating at the regional competition as she captured the women's championship in epee.

Eim has broken through every barrier that she has faced. Her next obstacle awaits her at Brandies.

She will not be alone, however, as she is joined by teammate Christina Klemp, who won the women's foil championship. Penn State senior co-captain Carla Esteva, who finished second in the foil competition, will accompany Klemp to the national meet.

1998 epee-champion Charlotte Walker did not compete at the regional meet, but she received a medical waiver and will make the trip to Brandies to defend her title.

Along with the 10 fencers who qualified, Penn State will be sending four alternates. Freshman Michael Stahlhut, senior Don McGill, junior Ola Korfanty and senior Keysa Oritz will also make the trip.

Penn State's men and women both are ranked No.1 and will be looking to capture their fifth consecutive national title.