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March 22, 2009

Anastasia Ferdman (Penn State, Epee National Champion)

Q: How does it feel to be a National Champion?

A: I feel like I deserve it I've been working on this for two years and I always felt like it slipped from my fingers. I actually feel like this was one of the hardest National Championships we've had previously. I'm just proud of myself for collecting myself, because today was the hardest competition with the best girls. I'm very shocked, I wanted it but didn't expect it to happen because the level is high. So, I'm really excited about this and I think it's a great honor to be representing Penn State University. My team did great, being National Champion as a team and being a national champion as myself is the best reward ever for all the work we did all year.

Q: What was it like coming back after falling to fifth today?

A: It's really frustrating. I started off and lost four bouts in a row today after I started really well yesterday and lost only two. My first four bouts were disastrous, but I'm a strong girl and I said get yourself together you can do it. I said I'm not going to lose any more bouts today after I lost four in a row and I never did. I kept my promise so I'm really excited. This is best thing that has happened to me in a while so I'm really happy.

Doris Willette (Penn State, Foil National Champion)

Q: How does it feel to be a National Champion?

A: It feels so good, it feels really good especially after winning in 2007 I really wanted to come back and be strong. It was a little rough the first day, it was a little sad, but after that I told myself that I'm not going to lose another bout tomorrow. I'm really happy that I didn't especially here at home. My brother was here, unfortunately my parents couldn't be here, but being here with my team and my friends meant so much

Q: How did it feel to come back and win the National crown after being in sixth yesterday?

A: It felt really good. I thought I would have no chance of making it to the four, I just felt like I had no hope. I just said I have to win the rest of my bouts for the team and be strong. I made a complete turnaround and luckily that was enough. When I made it to the top four I said this is my second chance and I'm going to use it.

Rebecca Ward (Duke, Saber National Champion)

Rebecca was unavailable for a comment on her performance.