Off to a blazing start, Penn State's Austin O'Neill would like to have continued success and finish the season without regret.

O'Neill, a junior saber fencer, started 11-1 with three wins apiece against Rutgers, North Carolina and New York University. Her only blemish was a loss in a bout against Princeton.

When the bout only lasts for five points, one can't fall behind early. The bouts pass like the winter breeze in East Halls — fast and furious.

When Duke, St. John's, Ohio State and Stanford arrive in Happy Valley at the end of the month, it will be nearly six weeks since the Lions last saw action in dual matches.

O'Neill should be ready. Avoiding the injury bug that has plagued many of her teammates, she remains healthy and strong.

After a record of 45-6 last year in the saber, her first year of competition in the weapon, it appears O'Neill's hot hand has continued this season.

"Yes, I picked up where I left off. Mentally, I'm stronger than I was last year. I hope it works on the strip," O'Neill said.

That's good news for coach Emmanuil Kaidanov. O'Neill is one of three women's saber fencers to see significant action in the first weekend of duals. The other two are Heather Brosnan and Stephanie Tam.

"She's a power everyone should respect," Kaidanov said.

She's worked for that respect. It's an accomplishment considering she came to Penn State as a foil specialist.

"It was quite difficult to convince her to change," Kaidanov said. "She's strong-headed which is a good quality."

Assistant coach Wes Glon proposed the idea to Kaidanov. Glon saw a level of aggressiveness that he liked for the soon-to-be saber fencer.

"Women's saber was new and it was an excellent time to jump on the bandwagon," O'Neill said.

In essence, what hindered her as a foil fencer propelled her at saber. But a 22-4 record as a freshman in foil is a respectable record for a beginner.

With the change, Austin hit the ground running and has yet to stop. Her main goal¾ to have no regrets.

Last year, O'Neill placed 11th at the NCAA championships. That was good enough for second team All-American. This year, she wants the pinnacle.

"I want to prove to myself that I can do this," O'Neill said. "I want to leave NCAA's in March knowing that I gave my best."

In other words — no regrets.

Just like her 42 teammates, O'Neill places a high priority on teamwork.

"I want to win (NCAA's) again," O'Neill said. "The seventh year in a row is pretty incredible. I've seen teammates graduate with four rings, and I'd like to see it again."

O'Neill's call for cohesion also reflects the close-knit group of saber fencers.

"It's important for the experienced to support the new fencers. And, it's important for the new to support the experienced fencers," O'Neill said. "We all have the same goals in mind. It's wonderful to be squad captain of a group who understands."