March 14, 2011

MADISON, N.J. - A 12th place finish in épée by sophomore Andre Rafizadeh highlighted the efforts of seven Lafayette fencers at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals hosted by Drew University. Rafizadeh, who was the lone Leopard to reach a Regional Final, positioned himself for a potential at-large bid to the NCAA Championships.

Rafizadeh survived three rounds of competition, before falling in the regional finals. He is still eligible for an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships or as an alternate. The championship field will be announced by the NCAA on Tuesday. Junior Noah Weiner (25th) and sophomore David Eckelmann (34th) also fenced in the épée for Lafayette.

Competing in sabre were freshman Eric Luby and sophomore Darrell Washington, who placed 28th and 31st, respectively. Sophomore foilists Jane Liu and Lisa DeJoseph - both of whom competed in the men's division - landed at 29th and 34th.

An eighth Leopard - freshman sabreuse Jillian Rosamilia - also qualified for the regional but did not compete.