Oct. 23, 2005

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The fencing team opened the 2005-06 campaign by sending a quintet of fencers to the Penn State Garret Open on Oct. 22-23. Leigh Pendergrass was CSU's top finisher, coming in 17th in the women's foil competition. Omer Deleeuw and Mike Merker finished 33rd and 37th, respectively in men's foil, while Jeff Tormey was 28th in men's epee and John Downey came in 37th in men's sabre.

"Leigh had a very strong showing -- she was just one touch away from making the final round," head coach Jim Sager said. "Mike had a tough draw in the first round and Omer ran into the defending NCAA champion in the second round, but they both fenced well. I was impressed with how everyone kept their composure throughout the event."

The Vikings are off until Nov. 19-20 when they travel to Evanston, Ill. for the Northwestern Duals.