Feb. 21, 2011

USFA National Junior Olympics
Result: Three Wildcats post top-20 finishes
Site: Dallas Convention Center * Dallas, Texas
Up Next: Northwestern Duals * Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27 * Patten Gymnasium

USFA National Junior Olympics Results 

DALLAS, Texas -- A handful of Wildcats competed in the 2011 USFA National Junior Olympics this past weekend in Dallas with a pair finishing among the top-10 in their respective weapons. Sophomore Dayana Sarkisova (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) placed fifth among the women's foil while fellow sophomore Karalina Collins (Houston, Texas/Waltrip) placed eighth in the women's epee.

Sarkisova, a first team All-American after placing third at the NCAA Championships last year, attained her A2011 ranking after placing fifth out of 145 competitors int he women's foil. Sarkisova won all six of her pool play bouts, then went 3-1 in direct elimination before bowing out in the semifinals. Emily Bruhl (Fairfield, Conn./Ludlowe) also placed 51st to represent the Wildcats.

In the women's epee, it was Collins that highlighted the weekend, placing eighth out of 161 competitors. Collins won five of her six pool bouts before advancing to the quarterfinals. She was joined by high school club teammate Dina Bazarbayeva (Houston, Texas/Lamar) who placed 18th after posting a perfect 6-0 mark in pool play and a 2-1 record in direct elimination. Madeline Sachs (Greenwich, Conn./Kind Low Heywood Thomas School) also competed for Northwestern, finishing 65th.

Northwestern now prepares for its final dual meet tournament of the season, hosting the second installment of the Northwestern Duals this weekend at Patten Gymnasium. The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27 beginning at 8 a.m. with free admission for fencing fans.

USFA National Junior Olympics Results

Women's Epee (161 competitors)
8. Karalina Collins
18. Dina Bazarbayeva
65. Madeline Sachs

Women's Foil (145 competitors)
5. Dayana Sarkisova
51. Emily Bruhl

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