Oct. 27, 2007

Contact: Greg Murphy

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Cleveland State fencing team opened its 2007-08 season with a very successful day at the Ohio State duals on Saturday as the men's squad posted a 9-1 mark, while the women went 5-5.

The men's lone loss was a 22-7 setback to Ohio State, which placed fifth in the nation last season. The Vikings outscored its other nine foes, 177-66.

"This was a great way for us to open the season," head coach Jim Sager said. "The men got off to one of the fastest starts in school-history, while the women were solid all weekend. I am extremely proud of all the hard work the team has been putting in and the results really showed today."

The men's squad was led by Liran Gross who went 28-2 in the foil, while John Marshall was 24-4 in the same event. John Downey was solid in the sabre action as he tallied a 21-4 mark.

Olwen Conant paced the women's squad as she was 16-12 in the foil. Brooke Snyder was 14-10 in eppe, while Katie Smetana recorded a 15-9 record in the sabre.

The Vikings will return to action on Nov. 17-18 at the Penn State Open.

COMPLETE MEN'S RESULTS
W, 19-8 - Chicago
W, 20-7 - Indiana
W, 17-10 - Michigan
W, 20-7 - Detroit
W, 19-8 - Michigan State
W, 23-4 - Bowling Green
W, 15-12 - Case Western
W, 24-3 - Xavier
L, 22-5 - Ohio State
W, 20-7 - Purdue

COMPLETE WOMEN'S RESULTS
L, 15-12 - Chicago
L, 21-6 - Indiana
L, 19-8 - Michigan
W, 16-9 - Detroit
L, 18-9 - Michigan State
W, 22-5 - Bowling Green
W, 15-12 - Case Western
W, 20-7 - Xavier
L, 27-0 - Ohio State
W, 16-11 - Purdue