Jan. 31, 2005

Notre Dame, Ind. - The Wayne State women's fencing team competed at the Notre Dame Duals over the weekend on Jan. 29-30 against some of the top collegiate fencing programs in the nation. The lady Warriors went 3-2 in day one of the competition, while posting a 4-2 mark on day two.

WSU opened with a 15-12 triumph over the University of Michigan. The Warriors fell to the sixth ranked lady Wildcats of Northwestern 18-9.

The Warriors followed the loss with a 23-4 victory over Cleveland State University and defeated Detroit-Mercy by a 20-7 margin. The Warriors then fell to No. 3 Penn State 21-6 to end the first day of competition.

On day two, the Warriors defeated Michigan State 15-12 and then fell to No. 1 Ohio State 21-6. They followed the loss with a 17-10 triumph over Cal-State Fullerton, Wisconsin 25-2 and Lawrence 20-7. The Warriors fell in the final dual against No. 2 Notre Dame 24-3.

Defending NCAA epee champion Anna Garina (Kiev, Ukraine/Republican School) lost only one match in the competition and to post the best record at the meet.

Anna Vinnikov (Ma'a lot, Israel/ORT Ma'a lot) competed very well among some of the top fencing competition.

"She (Vinnikov) competed very tough and all of her losses were very close, which will help her qualify for nationals," said head coach Jerzy Radz.

Vinnikov is attempting to qualify for nationals for the fourth consecutive year.

The Warriors will return to dual action on Saturday, February 5 at the Ohio State Duals.