After turning in one of its strong seasons in recent memory last winter, the Huntington High School girls’ fencing team looks well-positioned to the coming campaign, which has been pushed back from November to January 4 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blue Devil sabre and foil fencers flank head coach Michelle O'Brien at last year's county championships.
The Blue Devils will return freshman Uma Shtrom; sophomores Mackenzie Ahern, Fiona Brosnan, Emely Cruz, Aislyn Franciscovich, Lilianna LaVertu, Allison Malone and Haileigh Smith; juniors Madelyn Bavaro, Alexandra Kustera, Michelle Lopez and Emily Roberts; and seniors Adora Colay, Emma Guba, Sasha Koulakova, Vivienne LaVertu and Aileen Lopez.
Huntington captured seventh place overall at last winter’s Section XI fencing championships at Newfield. Head coach Michelle O’Brien is assisted by Burke Tomaselli.
The Blue Devils’ top returnees based on last year’s performance include:
Senior Adora Colay: sabre
- Honorable Mention All-County
- 2 nd Team All-League
Junior Ally Kustera: sabre - weapon captain
- Honorable Mention All-County
- Honorable Mention All-League
Junior Maddy Bavaro: foil
- Honorable Mention All-League
Senior Aileen Lopez: epee - weapon captain:
- Honorable Mention All-County
The pandemic necessitated delay to the start of the season was upsetting, but understandable to the 17 varsity returnees. They are all hoping the compressed season will be a successful one.
“Although I am sad about the delay, these are unprecedented times so I’m okay with it,” Ms. Bavaro said. “I’m just excited that we can play at all. I think this is going to be a good year for girls’ fencing. We have a lot of strong, returning girls so I’m hoping for the best. I know everyone is going to give it their all to make it the beat season possible.”
The fencers can’t wait to start working out and preparing for competition. The Blue Devils are known to devote long hours to training and perfecting their techniques.
“Even though there is a delay in the season, I think it’s safe to say that our whole team feels so grateful that we’ve been given an opportunity to play,” Ms. Kustera said. “I’m super optimistic about the team. We have a bunch of returning girls who are also strong fencers. I think the team morale will be at an all-time high because of the fact we can all be together and do what we love. We’re all very excited to be reunited.”
The team is enthusiastic and optimistic about its prospects. There is a nice mix of experienced fencers and relative newcomers still working to master their skills.
“I’m super bummed out about the delay in the fencing season,” Ms. Colay said. “It’s one of my favorite teams to participate in; everyone is kind and caring to one another. It’s a second family. I have high hopes for this year’s fencing season. The team is always excited for the new season and newcomers to teach. We won more matches last year than the year before and we’re going to strive to do that again. Everyone on the team has amazing talent.”
With the worldwide health pandemic still ongoing, there will be many changes in typical practice and meet operations, with new protective protocols. What’s certain is that the Blue Devils will do whatever is necessary to put on their uniforms again.
“While I’m not sure what the COVID restrictions are for sports this year, I have full confidence that our team will adapt and come back just as strong,” Ms. Smith said. “Everyone is incredibly dedicated to the sport and I know our coaches want a season just as badly as the fencers themselves. To put it bluntly, if this team wants to fence it will find a way. Whether that means wearing masks under masks or doing foot work while six feet apart, we’ll make it work.”