The Penn State fencing team earned top honors this weekend as it competed with the country's best fencers in a national tournament. Seven members of the Penn State fencing squad were chosen to attend the NAC open in Richmond, Va., Saturday and Sunday.

The tournament was open to fencers of all ages as long as they qualified with a C rating on a scale of A-E. Fencers also had chances to qualify for this tournament by placing well at other national tournaments. The tournament was comprised mostly of high school level, college level and professional fencers.

Head coach Emmanuil Kaidanov called the tournament "a strong competition" with powerhouse-fencing teams from across the globe including Germany, Italy and Mexico.

The NAC open was not part of the NCAA qualifying tournaments. Members selected to participate went to Richmond independent of Penn State's fencing team.

The Penn State men's fencing team posted a strong showing at the tournament with freshman Daniel Bak placing in the top 16 for men's saber.

Freshman Steffen Launer and junior co-captain Arthur Urman also earned a spot in the top 24.

Kaidanov said this tournament was used as an experience for the team's collegiate competitions, but it does not reflect Penn State's rankings.

"It's a good experience for the kids," Kaidanov said.

"There are lots of seniors in high school at the competition that get to see how Penn State performs. We set an example, and setting an example is our goal."

He also said the competition served well for several fencers who are fighting for a spot on the national team.

"This was good preparation for the final part of the season," Kaidanov said.

On the women's side, freshman Doris Willette earned second-place honors in women's foil, scoring the highest finish among Penn State fencers, despite suffering from severe leg cramps on Sunday.

Senior co-captain Sophia Hiss finished at No. 16, while sophomore Allison Glasser finished in the top 24.

Freshman Keri Byerts finished fifth in the women's epee, helping her chances of earning a spot on the U.S. Junior World Championships team, and Sophomore Caitlin Thompson ended the tournament strong, placing No. 6 out of about 80 fencers.

"I'm glad I attended," Thompson said.

"I felt good before I went in, and I fenced well."

Thompson, who began fencing at age 10, said this tournament helped because she earned enough points to keep her spot on the US national team.

Thompson's fencing success started when her mom signed her up for a class "just to see what it was like," since the fencing club was right behind their house.

Trips to California and Disneyland offered by her coaches motivated Thompson to stick with the sport of fencing.

Her athleticism and talent led her to dominate the sport and ultimately, she decided to continue fencing -- but this time -- without any bribes.