The Penn State fencing team began a successful defense of its national championship on Saturday defeating New York University, Rutgers and Princeton in its first dual meet action of the season, ending the day with a 3-0 record.

The men began their day with an impressive 23-4 win over NYU, followed by an 18-9 victory over Rutgers and finally a close 17-10 defeat of host Princeton.

Penn State fencing coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said that he was satisfied with the first dual meet of the season.

Junior captain Alex Weber made another strong showing for the Nittany Lions posting a perfect 9-0 record on the day in the saber.

"Alex Weber was untouchable," Kaidanov said.

In their first collegiate dual meet, freshman Marten Zagunis posted an impressive 8-1 record in the saber, and freshman Chris Miller posted a 7-2 mark for the day, leading the way for the Lions in the foil.

"Marten was a little bit uptight," Kaidanov said. "He lacks a little confidence and understanding but it will come."

Also in the saber, junior All-American Amir Rahimi turned in a strong performance, finishing with a 7-1 record for the day.

Junior two-time All-American Adam Wiercioch recorded a 6-3 mark for the day leading the Lions in the epee.

The women had very similar results in their matches, bringing home a 24-3 win over NYU, a 19-8 victory over Rutgers and a 17-10 win over Princeton.

"Princeton was the challenge on the women's side," Kaidanov said.

In the women's saber, senior Austin O'Neill posted an 8-1 mark for the Lady Lions while junior two-time All-American Heather Brosnan went 7-2 on the day.

Sophomore Meredith Chin went 8-1 for the Lady Lions in the foil and senior Lauren Wangner brought home a 7-2 record in the epee.

Although the fencers have no competitions scheduled over the upcoming Thanksgiving break, the team will be hard at work.

"We have a very intense preparatory period ahead of us," Kaidanov said. "This break is a very welcome break."

After taking the Thanksgiving holiday off, the fencers will return to action Dec. 6 to 8 at the NAC Open in Columbus, Ohio.