LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 9, 2023) – North American Cups represent the highest level of competition in the United States in the sport of fencing. Junior and Senior World teams are decided at these events based on points accrued over a series of five competitions, and the January Cup is always a big one as most college fencers and world team fencers are in attendance, including a full contingent from Canada. The events take place over multiple days, and the close location to Denison made this a not to be missed opportunity to participate in high-level competition for the Big Red fencers.

Head Coach Peter Grandbois noted, "While some of our new recruits are veterans of many North American Cups, for many this trip represents their first experience competing at the highest level in their sport. It's a great learning experience for them, and one which we hope will help them to prepare for the higher-level competitions we are shooting for as a team, including eventually sending fencers to the NCAA Nationals."

The Big Red had some highs and lows throughout the weekend at this difficult competition, with freshman foilist Velma Hall's 61st place in the Junior Women's Foil competition being the strongest finish. Hall went 3-3 in the pool round giving her the #88 seed. She went on to face the #41 seed, Iris Yang, beating her 8-7 only to lose her second direct elimination match (15-13) to the #24 seed, Charlotte Koenig. Freshman sabreist Molly Hormel also had a strong showing making it out of her first-round pool with a 2-4 record but losing her first direct elimination bout to the #2 seed Sophie Liu by a score of 15-6. Hormel eventually placed 127th in the Junior Women's Sabre event.

For a full list of the fencers who competed and their final placement, please see below.
Velma Hall: 61st in Junior Women's Foil, 123rd in Div I Women's Foil
Bella Musto: 138th Junior Women's Foil
Molly Hormel: 127th Junior Women's Sabre
Natalie Isberg: 132nd Junior Women's Sabre
Delaney Brown: 154th Junior Women's Sabre
Joanna Passalaris: 160th Junior Women's Sabre
Evie Rhody: 170th Junior Women's Epee

The Big Red will be back in action with their first duals meet of the 2023 portion of their season at Cleveland State University on Sunday, January 15.