WEST POINT, N.Y. - Both the Drew University men's and women's fencing teams captured silver trophies at the United States Military Academy's Army Invitational on Saturday.

The women's team raised its season record to 29-5 with a 5-1 performance.
           
Highlights of the day included impressive wins against Division I opponents University of Detroit Mercy (23-4) and Cleveland State University (21-6). Other victories included wins over Army (16-11), Navy (21-6) and Hunter College (25-2). Only a 20-7 loss to conference rival Stevens marred the day's results.

Team co-captain Emily Huber (Saber 10-3) was the top Ranger performer on the day. Teammates Kayla Ogden (Saber 9-3), Lydia Segal (Foil 9-2), Caitlin Kotz (Foil 7-4) and Claudia West (Epee 8-3) also recorded stellar days.

"We were worried that the team might come back from the holiday break a little flat," said Head Coach Vincent Paragano. "We had a great week of practice but you never know what you are going to get until you see live action. What we received were some pretty good performances. Now, we have to really turn things on as we move closer to the championships."

The men's team featured a balanced attack across all three weapons and also recorded a 5-1 record on the day. The Rangers scored victories over Division I foes Cleveland State (19-8) and Detroit Mercy (23-4) in addition to MACFA conference rivals Army (21-6), Navy (17-10) and Hunter College (21-6). Their lone defeat of the day also came at the hands of Stevens (22-5).

With their 5-1 day, the Rangers raised their season record to 30-12. This is the team's first-ever 30 win season, with two major meets still to come.

"This team is growing in confidence," noted Paragano. "We put together a nearly perfect day. In each of the five seasons that I have been here, we have steadily gotten better. However, our best performances are yet to come."

Top performers for the Rangers were Saberists Nathan Milgram (11-1), Sean Larson (10-1) and Brian Heist (8-3). Foilists William Badrigian (9-4) and Cameron Berger (8-3) and epee fencers Joe Storey (9-2), Jeremy Ferreira (7-1) and Alex Galik (7-4) all contributed to the Rangers' success. Galik's performance was especially notable as he is returning to action following a semester off. He filled in for freshman star epeeist Topher Infinito, who was out due to sickness.

"We were glad to get Alex back after a long absence. He picked up where he left off. We needed him in the absence of Topher," remarked Assistant Coach Brendan McNellis. 
           
The Rangers return to action at home on Sunday, Feb. 10 with the Middle Atlantic Conference Fencing Association's "A" vs. "C" group meet and the Women's Shadow Meet.  Opponents will include Johns Hopkins University, Haverford College, College of William & Mary, University of Maryland, Navy and City College of New York.