Following the conclusion of the Mid-Atlantic South Regional competition at Drew University Saturday night, Penn State fencing coach Emmanuil Kaidanov had only one word to describe the play of his Nittany Lion squad -- "outstanding."

The Penn State team qualified 18 fencers total, 12 who will participate and six who will act as alternates in the NCAA Championship , which takes place at Penn State's Multi-Sport Facility from March 19-22.

"We qualified the maximum number of fencers allowed," Kaidanov said. "It is quite a big step."

Out of the 18 total fencers who qualified, 10 were on the men's side. In men's foil qualifiers included junior Nick Chinman, sophomore Samuel Perkins, and freshmen Miles Chamley-Watson and Michael El-Saleh.

Senior James Moody highlighted the day by winning the men's epee division showing he will be a contender in the championship. The other two qualifiers in men's epee were juniors Maxwell Detlinger and Brian Heflich.

In men's sabre, junior Daniel Bak as well as a pair of freshman -- Aleksander Ochoki and Bobby Thompson -- also qualified.

On the women's side, senior captain Allison Glasser and sophomore Doris Willette performed exceptionally on their way to qualifying.

In women's epee, those who qualified were juniors Anastasia Ferdman and Keri Byerts as well as freshman Nina Westman.

Finally, in women's sabre, junior Caitlin Thompson as well as freshman Monica Aksamit added to their impressive seasons as they too will compete in the championships.

Glasser said qualifying so many fencers is a great feat for the Penn State squad in what was a long day of competition for the Lions.

"This was a great day," Glasser said. "It was a hard day. We competed in about 24-26 bouts each which is what we will fence in two days combined at the NCAA's."

Glasser said the fact that she is a senior makes Saturday's performance even more special.

"I am excited," Glasser said. "I am ready to win a national championship."