Young Fencers Impress at Underclass Challenge

Huntington’s youngest fencing team members turned in fine performances at this year’s Underclass Challenge at Ward Melville. Among the 14 Blue Devils competing were some of the most talented eighth, ninth and tenth graders in Suffolk.

“The Underclass Challenge is hosted yearly during the winter break and it gives fencers a chance to compete against others of similar age and fencing experience,” Huntington head coach Michelle O’Brien explained. “This tournament has always been fun and allows the newbies and/or non-starters to shine and test their skills. It also provides the starting team members an opportunity to experience from a different point of view; that of the referee.”

The top placing Huntington fencers included:

Women’s Sabre: Grade 8: Chelsea Drummings-2nd place; Julia Goodwin-3rd place; Women’s Epee: Grade 9: Naomi Lyons-1st place; Daniela Garcia-3rd place; Charlotte Cassatto, 4th place; Men’s Sabre: Grade 9: Eoin Charles-1st place; Men’s Foil: Grade 9: Dylan Wong-2nd place; Ethan Ambrosio-3rd place; Alex Tine-4th place; Men’s Foil: Grade 10: Benjamin Soric-3rd place; Men’s Epee: Grade 8: Cole Lima-1st place; Owen Stevens-2nd place; Men’s Epee: Grade 9: Daniel Simon-3rd place; Men’s Epee: Grade 10: Samuel Soric-3rd place

O’Brien and assistant coach Vin O’Garra expressed their delight with the results and with seeing the Blue Devil fencers make new friends with those on competing teams.

“We are also grateful to the three upperclassmen who attended as referees, including seniors Jeffrey Garcia Cabrera and Abdiel Castillo-Martos, and junior Jake Amend.

The Blue Devils return to action on Saturday when they host the Alan Kuver Memorial Relay Tournament in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium. “Come check out a new sport and support the team,” O’Brien said.