Blue Devil Fencers Open Season Successfully

The Huntington boys’ and girls’ varsity fencing teams are off to a good start. The boys squad had won three-of-four meets while the girls have struggled against several tough opponents, but remain optimistic about success this season.

The Blue Devil boys are 3-1 in mandatory non-league meets. “The team’s goal is the league and county championships and our captains have the heart and soul to help make this happen,” head coach Michelle O’Brien said. “The team ranges from eighth to 12th graders; some new, some returning and all seem very motivated to improve their skills and win their bouts.”

Junior Benjamin Edgar-McNerney and senior Liam Tucker are both 11-0 through the first four meets.

Senior Haileigh Smith is 9-0 at sabre for the Blue Devil girls. “Fencing is going really well,” Smith said. “We’ve had new people with wins of their own and the boys have started the season off very strong. I believe the foil boys won every single one of their bouts at Ward Melville on Saturday.”

While Smith has been perfect, she isn’t about to let it go to her head. “Yes, so far I have gone 9-0, but I try hard not to think about it and go into each meet thinking I have to take on one girl at a time,” Smith said. “I’ve seen fencers before me with impeccable records who spiral after losing a bout and struggle to bounce back because they think they’ve ruined their streak. It’s a reminder that the sport can often be more mental than physical and if you’re afraid to lose you’ll make it harder on yourself than it needs to be.”