Led by the triumphant return of defending national champion Jessie Burke, Penn State fencers geared up for regionals with solid performances Saturday.

The women defeated Columbia (20-7), Temple (18-9), Cornell (23-4), Penn (22-5), and Farleigh Dickinson (23-4) to finish the regular season with a 12-1 record.

The men, who dropped a decision to Columbia by the tight score of 12-15 to start competition, responded to coach Emmanuil Kaidanov's pep talk to beat Penn 19-8.

Burke returned just four weeks after she was hospitalized with an intestinal condition. Fencing just one bout per match, Burke finished strong at 4-1 for the day.

Burke's comeback brought a smile to the head coach.

"It was great," Kaidanov said. "In the beginning, it was very hard for her."

Burke took her time, picking her spots on the strip. Often, she traded early points with her opponent, then reeling off a few quick points to end the bout. Even had Burke finished 1-4, seeing her in a mentor role for less-experienced fencers Lauren Wangner and Kristina Viviani was a plus.

Overall, the Lions displayed their strengths in particular weapons. Men's epee was as strong as always. Women's foil manhandled the competition. Foil newcomer Marta Grochal garnered a record of 11-0.

The men's team, 7-1 entering the Columbia contest, finished the season with a record of 8-2.

"Columbia's a strong team," captain Mike Takagi said. "They fenced well. In some situations, we didn't fence up to our ability. It's a frustrating loss. We could have won."

Takagi was right-- the Lions could have won. Penn State only needed two more wins to turn the tables.

Now, the Lions head for familiar territory - NCAA playoffs. Being a six-time defending national champion leaves its mark. The seniors don't want to end that streak.

"We don't want to go out losing," senior Judy Gordon said.

These Nittany Lions will finish like they started - fighting.

"The women's team looks very solid," Kaidanov said. "The men's team is struggling, but are very strong."

From day one, Kaidanov wanted to see marked improvement from his team. There are signs that those changes have taken place. Jon Charles finished 3-3 Saturday against tough foil competition. New addition Amir Rahimi finished the day 5-1 in saber.

Now, the Lions move into playoff territory. Slowly, fewer and fewer Lion fencers will remain for competition. The leaders need to step up and provide leadership roles for the younger talented Lions.

Kaidanov saw some of that magic Saturday in Burke.

"She was a conductor," Kaidanov said. "Last year, she was a strong individual. Today, she was a strong team player."