UCSD’s fencing team hosted the regional competition on March 1, its first ever National Collegiate Athletic Association post-season fencing event, and sent two fencers, Jeremy Runyan and Lauren Muir, to nationals on March 23.
At regionals, the Tritons placed fourth overall on the men’s side, and third on the women’s. The other participating schools were Stanford, Air Force, CSU Fullerton and Cal Tech. Air Force took first in both men’s and women’s, defending its title from last year.
“”We had a few pleasant surprises at regionals,”” said UCSD head coach Stuart Lee. “”Elise [Goodman-Tuchmayer] finished only three touches behind Lauren on the day, which was the deciding factor on who went to nationals. She is only a freshman, so we expect three strong years out of her. Also our men’s sabre team performed well all year, taking the conference championship and second at regionals in the sabre category.””
The fencing team had to deal with multiple injuries, including Raelyn Jacobson’s, who was conference champ in women’s sabre, but twisted her ankle at regionals, and Jeremy Runyan, whose performance at nationals was hindered due to a recurring injury.
Despite his injury, Runyan was able to place 18th in a field of 24 fencers at nationals, and was able to defeat the fencer who eventually finished in second place.
“”Jeremy is very gifted and very fast, there is a strong chance of him being an All-American next year,”” Lee said.
Muir didn’t fare as well, finishing last among the women at nationals, but she still managed to finish with multiple victories.
“”Lauren fenced above her level, and scored on everyone she faced. I think the experience was a very positive one for her,”” Lee said.
The Tritons are a young team with 11 of their 18 starters being freshman. Regardless, they still managed to place second in conference. Lee views this as a rebuilding year and is looking forward to more experience next year, as well as some promising recruits.