Air Force Academy

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

AFA's Lydia Bigelow takes NAC Division 3 Women's Epee title

USAF Academy, Colo. -- Air Force Academy junior Lydia Bigelow from Phoenix, Ariz., captured the Division III Women's Epee title at the North American Cup in Reno, Nev., on March 10-13.
Bigelow placed first among the 57 Division women's epee competitors. She also finished in the top 10 in the Division II women's foil tournament, finishing eighth among 63 women.

"Bigelow was struggling in some of her matches and she barely defeated her opponents. But in the gold medal match after she was behind 4-2, she started to fencing like a lion. It was the best I have ever seen her fence," said head coach Abdel Salem. He continued, "I hope that she will build up her confidence and take her fencing where it is supposed to be. Lydia is a wonderful person. She has the chance to be a great fencer and I hope this will be the start to a successful fencing career."

In Division III men's sabre, AFA's Ryan Zaccagnini finished 37th, while Brent Watson finished 50th among 58 competitors. Adam Otten competed in the Division II men's foil tournament, he finished117th among 137 and 83rd/102 in Division III men's foil. "Ryan and Brent tried very hard and it was a very good experience for them," said Salem.

Salem also competed in the Veterans men's epee division, he finished 11th among 61 veterans.

Following the NCAA Men's & Women's Fencing Championships, March 16-19 in Houston, the Falcons will compete in the Boulder Tournament, March 22.

The Falcons' remaining 2006 schedule follows:

Thu, Mar 16 -- Sun Mar 19
NCAA Championships at Houston, TX - 8 a.m.

Wed, Mar 22
Boulder Tournament at Boulder, CO - 8 a.m.

Sat, Apr 08
Boulder Tournament at Boulder, CO - 8 a.m.

Fri, Apr 21 - Mon, Apr 24
NAC D1 at Sacramento, CA - 8 a.m.

Fri, Jun 30 - Sun, Jul 09
Summer Nationals at Atlanta, GA - 8 a.m.
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