Local fencers make their mark at summer champtionships

Julia Shalansky and Lucy Friendman, both from Providence, represented the Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club (RIFAC) in East Providence, at the Summer National Fencing Championships held from June 22-July 3 in Columbus, Ohio.

Summer Nationals is the culmination of the American fencing season and the largest fencing tournament in the world. This year, Columbus welcomed over 4,300 fencers competing in all three weapon categories (foil, epee, and saber). Athletes ranged in age from under 10 to over 70.

Julia, a 13-year-old fencer, fenced in Division III Women’s Foil (restricted to athletes holding a rank of “D” or under) where she took ninth place out of 124 total fencers. She also earned a fifth place medal in Division II Women’s Foil; 108 athletes competed in this event. Fencers in Division II must hold a national rating of “C” or under. (Ratings range from “A” to “E.”) With the fifth place finish, Julia boosted her previous rank of “D” to “C.”

Lucy earned a 20th place finish out of 227 fencers in Junior women’s Epee. Athletes in “junior” events must be 20-years-old or under. Lucy holds a national rating of “B” awarded in 2012.

Julia and Lucy looked to owner and head coach Alex Ripa, coach Matt Duquette and the remainder of the coaching staff for advice, support and encouragement throughout the duration of the national championship competition.