MADISON, N.J. – The sixth-ranked Drew University men's fencing team opened its 2022-23 with the Drew Fall Invitational, Part I on Sunday in the Simon Forum.
 
Numerous fencers turned in strong performances for the Rangers, who went 3-2 on the day. Drew defeated Yeshiva 25-2, Army 23-4, and Clemson 26-1 but dropped narrow 15-12 decisions to Stevens and NJIT.
 
For the day, Drew's epee squad turned in the most successful day, going a perfect 5-0 while posting a collective 32-10 individual record. Junior Julio Arias went 6-0, going 3-0 against both Division I NJIT and Stevens, ranked fourth in Division III. Classmate Lucas Alfaiate also turned in a big day, going 7-2.
 
The foil and sabre teams both finished 4-1. Junior Michael DeSando finished 10-2 and went 3-0 against Stevens, helping the Rangers' foil unit edge the Ducks 5-4. Sophomore Charles Daum added a 7-5 showing in foil, which went 31-14 on the day.
 
The sabre squad was paced by sophomore Aiden Holmes, who notched a 12-1 record. He was 3-0 versus NJIT, leading the way for a 5-4 Drew sabre victory. Junior Michael Parkhurst was also impressive, finishing 9-5, while classmate Ethan Trent was 7-6.
 
Drew also had a number of athletes competing for its B squad. Freshmen Eddie Matto and William Morton turned in strong showings in epee, going 12-4 and 9-7, respectively, while classmate Henri Degremont finished 6-4 in foil.
 
The Rangers continue their season next Sunday with the Drew Invitational Part II back in the Simon Forum.