POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Drew University women's fencing team continued its winning ways on Sunday by winning the Matthew Lampell Open, hosted by Vassar College. The Rangers finished 5-1 on the day and are now 17-3 on the season. 

This is the second time that the team has scored gold under the leadership of Head Coach Vincent Paragano.

Drew overcame an opening-round loss to Vassar by running the table on their remaining opponents to reach the gold-medal round against that same Vassar team. Along the way, the Rangers scored convincing victories against Army (16-11 and 21-6), Yeshiva University (23-4), and Marist College (26-1).   

In the final round against Vassar, Drew rode a 9-0 advantage in saber to win the trophy match 14-13. In that final match, the Rangers were down 13-12 with two bouts to go. However, a come-from-behind win in saber by junior Emily Huber evened the score at 13-13. That left the match to be decided by the final foil bout. Senior Lydia Segal came through in the clutch, battling back from a 3-2 deficit to win the bout 5-3 and clinch the match and tournament victory.

For the day, the Rangers turned in a tremendous showing in the saber, with the squad registering a 39-3 advantage in that weapon. Top performers for the day were Segal (foil, 10-1), freshman Candace Zola (saber, 14-0), junior Kayla Ogden (saber, 13-0), junior Emily Huber (saber, 8-0), senior Erin Heller (epee, 10-5), and freshman Sophia McGee (epee, 9-4).

Drew will conclude the fall portion of its schedules with the Drew Holiday Invitational, held in the Simon Forum this Sunday. Opponents will include Clemson University, University of Florida, Denison University and many others.