JMU FENCING TEAM LOOKS TOWARD FUTURE

JMU FENCING TEAM LOOKS TOWARD FUTURE

JMU fencing coach Allison Schwartz

HARRISONBURG, Va., Dec. 13, 2005 - With only four returning fencers from last year's squad and three newcomers to fencing competition, James Madison University first year head coach Allison Schwartz looked at the National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association Christmas Invitational as a building block for the Dukes this season.

Red-shirt freshman Cassandra McCarty (Chesapeake, Va./Hickory) and sophomore Angela Stagliano (Broomall, Pa./Marple Newton) competed in their first fencing tournament and gained valuable experience as they head into the holiday break. Stagliano started her career with a 5-0 victory while Schwartz added that, "Cassandra was given high praise from the judges on her first performance."

Other key newcomers to the Dukes this season include freshmen Christina Rossetti (Guilford, Conn./Guilford) and Alejandra Delgado (Panama/Balboa Academy), and sophomore Callie Johnson (Harrisonburg, Va./Harrisonburg). Johnson is also new to the sport of fencing but did not compete in last week's tournament. All three will be looked upon to contribute for the Dukes this season.

Fencing veterans Liz Conley (Alexandria, Va./Westfield), Jenna Debs (Jacksonville, Fla./Episcopal), Samantha Dorsey (Arlington, Va./Washington-Lee) and Stephani Moore (Chester, Va./Thomas Dale) return this season after competing last year. Conley led JMU in the NIWFA Christmas Invitational by finishing in 14th place in the foil while Debs finished in 32nd place in the saber.

Even with only four returning team members from last year's squad Schwartz can see a developing bond between the new and more experienced Dukes. "Their unity is so strong and I love being around them because there is never a dull moment," said Schwartz. "I am seeing this team grow together and we are very excited for next semester."

Adding to the excitement for the Dukes is the addition of a new fencing salle and the prospect of students visiting JMU with an eye on the fencing program. "We have already had three recruits come and see us and more are on the way," said Schwartz. "Next semester we will have the entire team together just in time for the duel meet season to get under way. We know what we need to work on and were going to show that the fencing team is here and ready to fight."