UPDATE: The Yale Bulldogs men’s fencing team has kicked off its season with a stunning performance at the Vassar Open Invitational, securing five victories in a row. Just last weekend, the team demonstrated dominance, starting with a decisive win over Drew University with a score of 21-6.
The Bulldogs continued their winning streak, defeating Stevens College by the same score of 21-6, followed by a solid victory against Lafayette College at 19-8. They then took down Johns Hopkins University 18-9 before finishing strong against Sacred Heart University with a score of 19-8.
Captain Jordan Silberzweig expressed the team’s excitement after the meet, stating, “After months of preparation and long morning practices, we came in hungry to compete at a high level.” With an enthusiastic roster, the Bulldogs are looking ahead to a promising season.
Last year, the men’s team boasted a strong record of 18-7, remaining undefeated at the Vassar Open and losing only one match in key tournaments. This year, they maintain three returning NCAA Championship qualifiers: Tony Whelan, Silberzweig, and Castor Kao, who is currently ranked sixth in the nation for foil competition.
The Bulldogs’ successful start is crucial as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming Ivy League Championships in 2026. Silberzweig noted the team’s focus not only on competition but also on supporting each other, saying, “We appreciated how focused we were not only in terms of fencing, but also hyping up and coaching our teammates.”
On the women’s side, the Yale Bulldogs also showed strength, going 6-1 over the weekend. They achieved impressive victories, including a commanding 21-0 win against Yeshiva University and a 20-1 triumph over Lafayette College. However, the team faced a narrow loss to Cornell, finishing just one point short at 13-14.
Women’s captain Amanda O’Donnell shared her enthusiasm for the season ahead, highlighting the addition of four first-year students who have previously competed at the World Championships. “The past meet went well. We beat six teams, including Brown, which set a really good tone for the rest of the season,” O’Donnell said.
Looking forward, both teams will continue to build on their momentum as they prepare for the Tri-State Shark Showcase in Brooklyn on November 23. The Bulldogs are poised for an exciting season as they aim for success in upcoming competitions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling fencing season unfolds!
