PALM SPRINGS, Ca., December 12, 2003 ¨C Six members of the Penn State men's and women's fencing teams competed this weekend at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Palm Springs, California. Freshman Ian Farr (Portland, Ore.) and All-American sophomore Marten Zagunis (Beaverton, Ore.) both competed in men¡¯s saber. Junior Co-captain Meredith Chin (Wynnewood, Pa.), freshman Sophia Hiss (Oklahoma City, Okla.), freshman Case Szarwark (Nashville, Tenn.), and three-time All-American Heather Brosnan (Portland, Ore.) all competed in the women¡¯s trials.

In men¡¯s saber, Marten Zagunis finished within the top twelve at a ninth placement. Coach Emmanuil Kaidanov remarked that this was ¡°an excellent result¡± for the sophomore who recently defended National Champion Notre Dame in a dual meet on Saturday, December 16th.

In women¡¯s foil, Sophia Hiss finished in the sixteenth placement. Coach Kaidanov said, ¡°Her placement was very good,¡± regarding Hiss¡¯s efforts against fierce competition.

In women¡¯s epe¨¦, Meredith Chin placed within the top thirty-two competitors and finished with a twenty-ninth placing.

Coach Kaidanov stated that the fencers competed well and that the final results brought great returns for the team overall.