Pessimists would say that tomorrow marks the last dual meet for the Penn State fencing team, but for most of the team, the glass is half full.

The Penn State men's (11-2) and women's (13-2) fencing squads will host Rutgers in their last dual meet of the season tomorrow afternoon at the White Building.

The meet doesn't only mark the end of the dual season but it starts the beginning of the path towards regionals.

"This is a really important weekend for the team," saber Marten Zuganis said. "But at the same time during practice all week a lot of us have been gearing ourselves toward regionals. It is definitely a transition weekend."

Penn State was scheduled to take on Rutgers in a multi-team meet earlier this season. Rescheduling matches is not required but Rutgers gave the courtesy to compete this weekend.

The transition from season to post-season will come at the expense of one of the weaker teams Penn State has faced off against this year.

"Overall [Rutgers] is not the strongest team," Penn State fencing coach Emmanuil Kaidanov said. "But they are pretty solid. They have several strong leaders, our task is to do well against them."

One of Rutgers biggest threats is freshman saber Benjamin Igoe.

"[Igoe] is a solid fencer," Zagunis said. "He always seems to be right outside the realm of the top fencers in the U.S. In a five touch bout against him, anything can happen."

It could be said that the Lions will be looking past Rutgers, but that is not the case.

"Rutgers is a fairly good team," Zagunis said. "We don't see them as a quick and easy win, we see it as one step closer to practice for regionals."

There is one fencer in particular that will utilize this rescheduled meet to improve his chances of making regionals.

Freshman saber Ian Farr is two bouts shy of the 20 bouts necessary to qualify for the big tournament.

"Ian will be alright," Penn State fencing coach Emanuil Kaidanov said. "He'll get his bouts."

On the women's side, two experienced fencers are recovering from injury and will be ready to go. Saber, Heather Brosnan and epee Katarzyna Trozopek both suffered ankle injuries earlier this season, but both have continued to dominate their weapons.