Feb. 6, 2010

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Fifth-ranked Northwestern eclipsed the 30-win mark for the sixth-straight season, posting a 7-1 mark at Notre Dame Duals Saturday. The Wildcats improve to 33-4 on the year, with all seven victories on the day coming in convincing fashion.

Northwestern brought a nine-bout winning streak into the Joyce Center and extended that mark to 11 consecutive victories thanks to a pair of 24-3 decisions over both Michigan and Michigan State, highlighted by a 9-0 decision by the foil squad over the Spartans.

The Wildcats then faced their stiffest challenge of the day, matching up with second-ranked Notre Dame in the Duals' marquee matchup. But it was the Irish who prevailed in their home meet, taking a 19-8 decision over Northwestern and sweeping all three weapons.

But head coach Laurie Schiller's Wildcats responded in a big way, taking the final five bouts of the day in dominating style. Northwestern defeated Purdue 23-4, followed by a shutout of Midwest Conference opponent Cleveland State. After a 26-1 victory over Indiana, the Wildcats posted their second shut out of the afternoon against a conference foe by blanking Lawrence. A 26-1 victory over in-state rival Illinois closed out another successful afternoon for Northwestern.

All three weapons had impressive showings in South Bend, led by the foil squad's 63-9 mark, including four perfect bouts. Epée was equally as impressive, finishing perfect over its final four bouts to finish the day with a 62-10 mark. Sabre also had four perfect bouts on the afternoon and posted a 60-12 mark.

Northwestern takes a break from dual meet competition this coming weekend, traveling to Memphis, Tenn. For the USFA National Junior Olympics. The four-day tournament gets underway Friday, Feb. 12 and runs through Monday, Feb. 15. The Wildcats then return to the strips in Evanston, hosting the second installment of the NU Duals on Saturday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 21.

Northwestern 24, Michigan 3
Epée: 8-1, Foil: 8-1, Sabre:8-1

Northwestern 24, Michigan State 3
Epée: 8-1, Foil: 9-0, Sabre: 7-2

Notre Dame 19, Northwestern 8
Epée: 3-6, Foil: 4-5, Sabre: 1-8

Northwestern 23, Purdue 4
Epée: 7-2, Foil: 7-2, Sabre: 9-0

Northwestern 27, Cleveland State 0
Epée: 9-0, Foil: 9-0, Sabre: 9-0

Northwestern 26, Indiana 1
Epée: 9-0, Foil: 9-0, Sabre: 8-1

Northwestern 27, Lawrence 0
Epée: 9-0, Foil: 9-0, Sabre: 9-0

Northwestern 26, Illinois 1
Epée: 9-0, Foil: 8-1, Sabre: 9-0