Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University women's fencing team commenced their 2024 season with a successful performance at the Titan Invitational hosted by Detroit Mercy. The team achieved victories against both the University of Michigan and the host Titans, winning 26-1 and 25-2, respectively, at Calihan Hall.

In the epee category, Wayne State's competitors were undefeated, with an 18-0 sweep. Freshmen Reka Galfalvy from Budapest and Salma Abdrabou from Mohandessin, along with senior Vika Shevchenko from Troy, each recorded perfect 4-0 bout scores. They secured three wins against Michigan opponents and one against UDM's Julissa Labra-Avila.

For the foil division, Noreen Bongado of Farmington Hills, Ludovica Mancini from Rome, and Timi Terjek from Solymar each posted a 2-0 record against Michigan. Bongado and Terjek were competing in their first collegiate matches while Mancini started her sophomore year strongly. The team benefitted from 12 uncontested victories in foil bouts.

In sabre competition, senior Reagan Byars from Warren and sophomore Mehreen Siddiqui of Canton represented Wayne State. Byars finished with a 2-4 record, claiming one win against each opponent school. Siddiqui ended her debut with a single victory over Hannah Benford of Detroit Mercy.

The total results for Wayne State were as follows: against the University of Michigan (26-1) with scores in sabre (1-8), foil (9-0), and epee (9-0); against Detroit Mercy (25-2) with scores in sabre (2-7), foil (9-0), and epee (9-0).

Wayne State will continue their season on January 27 at Notre Dame's DeCicco Duals held at Castellan Family Fencing Center in South Bend.