Nov. 18, 2007

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern advanced six fencers to the round of 16 at the Penn State Open Saturday in University Park, Pa. The Wildcats had three fencers in both the epée and foil reach at the least the round prior to the quarterfinals.

Kayley French (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) posted the top finish for the Wildcats, advancing the epée final before falling to Penn State's Jessica Anasta Ferdman. Christa French (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) contributed to NU's strong effort in the event with a top-eight finish, while Megan Ross (Pittsburg, Pa./Fox Chapel Area) placed in the top 16.

Northwestern also had three top finishers in the foil, led by Sam Nemecek (Caledonia, Mich./Caledonia) who came in fourth. Also contributing to NU's efforts were Karolyn Szot (Lebanon, N.J./Voorhees) and Natalie Wang (Milpitas, Calif./Presentation) who each finished among the top 16.

The Wildcats will be off until Dec. 2 when they host the USFA Illinois Junior Open Qualifier.