Prioritizing Quality
This weekend, Duke fencing exemplified the adage “quality over quantity” by achieving a 12th-place finish at the NCAA Championships, despite sending only four fencers. Junior Rachel Koo led the team, securing an 8th place in women’s foil and earning a position on the All-American Second Team.
Positive Outlook from the Coach
Head coach Omar Elgeziry commented on Monday about the team’s smaller size. He stated, “We usually compete with a larger group, so that posed a slight disadvantage. Nevertheless, the fencers’ performances were commendable, and I am very pleased with our four competitors’ efforts.”
Koo’s Comeback
After not qualifying for the NCAA Championships last year, Koo returned with newfound determination. The New Jersey native’s impressive regular-season record culminated in a 15-8 finish over the weekend, allowing her to leap to 8th place in women’s foil from her previous 18th in her freshman year. She has emerged as a vital member of the Duke foil team, leading in victories at both the Beguinet Classic and the Eric Sollee Invitational.
Performance Under Pressure
Coach Elgeziry noted, “Her return to the NCAAs demonstrated that she was well-prepared and eager to compete. This motivated her to push herself even harder.”
Koenig’s Challenge
The capabilities of the Duke women’s foil team were highlighted by sophomore Charlotte Koenig, who earned 17th place with a record of 9-14 in her second NCAA Championships. Following her previous year’s 9th place finish and a 2nd place at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional, expectations for Koenig were high. However, she faced tough challenges including bouts against two Olympians and multiple world champions.
Successes Amidst Setbacks
Despite the setbacks, Koenig can reflect positively on her consistent performance throughout the season. Coach Elgeziry remarked, “I believe that consistency is crucial, and her performance showcases her strength as an athlete.”
Promising Performances from Newcomers
Freshman Joseph Glasson completed Duke’s roster, finishing 15th with an 11-13 record. Coach Elgeziry noted Glasson’s ability to maintain performance despite being new to the team, stating, “He has shown great consistency, and there remains ample room for improvement.” With Elgeziry’s second season at Duke concluded, he expressed optimism about the direction of the team, acknowledging the impressive regular season and aiming for more qualification in future championships. “The team is progressing steadily and maintaining a positive trend, which I find encouraging,” he concluded.
