Friday, December 23, 2016 The Garden City News
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GCHS Fencers compete at Brentwood Holiday Tournament
The Brentwood Holiday Tournament is an annual invitation-only fencing tournament held just prior to the winter holiday season each year. With over 300 fencers from 15 different teams across Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, the tournament hosts 6 events - a foil, epée, and saber event for each gender. Up to four fencers in each weapon from each school are selected by their coach to compete. The tournament format is one round of pools (5 point bouts), with 100% of the competitors promoted into a direct elimination table (15 point bouts). Medals are awarded through eighth place. At this year’s tournament on Saturday, December 17, 2016, the GCHS girls that competed were: Saber - Brianne Etienne, Kayla Quinn, Alexandra Michael and Sarah Colletti; Foil - Lizzie Strysko, Tia Petrides, Zoe Heath and Rosie Lynch; Epée- Caitlin Etienne, Mary Foxen, Mariyam
Shami, and Gianna Buckley. The GCHS boys that competed were: Saber - Quentin Bucknor, Alex Joudeh, Ryan Joudeh and Donal Mahoney; Foil - Philip Acinapuro; P.J. O’Rourke, Zachary Ortiz and Matt Quigley; Epée - Calum Gribbin; Colin McVicar and Bryce Morrison. These competitors were supported by boys coach Kevin Oliver and girls coach Denise Holtz, their teammates and several parents. The all-dayevent provided great experience for all who participated. Special congratulations to the three GCHS fencers who medaled. First, Donal Mahoney, who was undefeated in his seven pool bouts, finished with the bronze, tied for third out of a total of 57 saber fencers. Next, Philip Acinapuro and Zachary Ortiz, who also both went undefeated in their seven pool bouts, finished 5th and 6th respectively, out of a total of 59 foil fencers. Congratulations to all!
Rosie Lynch faces a fencer from Commack.
2016 Medalists - Senior, Donal Mahoney, Junior Philip Acinapuro and Freshman Zachary Ortiz
Alex Joudeh’s attack during his saber bout.
Members of the Boys and Girls GCHS Fencing Teams after a long and fun day of fencing at Brentwood.
2016 Medalists - Senior, Donal Mahoney, Junior Philip Acinapuro and Freshman Zachary Ortiz
Foil Captain Lizzie Strysko during her direct elimination bout.