Feb. 18, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. - Sisters Kayley French and Christa French paced all Northwestern fencers at the USFA National Junior Olympics held over the weekend in Charlotte, N.C.

Kayley French earned the highest finish of any Wildcat, placing ninth out of 175 competitors in the epee. Christa French was just one spot behind her sister with a 10th-place finish.

Also competing for Northwestern in the epee was Nicole Tilley who placed 72nd and Sarah Henning who finished in a tie for 109th place.

In the sabre, freshman Jill Mahen was the top Wildcat finisher, coming in 46th in the 129-member field. Others placing for NU in the weapon were Allison Keller in 74th, Whitney White who was 97th and Alice Weinert who placed 104th.

Meredith Baskies led the way for NU in the foil, finishing 76th out of 155 competitors. Lisa Sachs contributed a 90th-place finish, while Alexandra Arkin was 93rd.

Northwestern returns to action this weekend as it participates in the Midwest Conference Championships hosted by Notre Dame.