Over this past weekend, the first ever Somerset Hills district tournament took place at Bernards High School. 7 different schools attended this tournament, including Ridge High School attended as well as Montgomery.
Bernards fencing teams had two very different types of days. The girls team had a very tough time competing due to seniors like Kristen Coury graduating, but many freshmen showed great promise. Also, Caitie Buteau was injured and due to this she was not able to go to enough practices and as a result she was not able to suit up and participate in the tournament. The men’s team on the other hand did very well and was able to win as a team.
Many individuals also had great days in which they were able to place. Trevor Lawrence won first for men’s epee individually and he performed very well during the tournament. This was a great tournament for him since he was able to place in first. Aiden Banyon-Mrak was able to place as well which is very impressive considering that he is just a sophomore. Aiden also competed in Eppe men’s individuals. For Saber sophomore Mitchell Buteau played extremely well and was able to place first in men’s Saber individual.
The only girl who was able to place on the girls team was Geneva Isacson who is a freshman. She was able to get third in women’s saber individuals. The men’s team as a whole took first place in the tournament. This was great because they had lost many people and the fencers were able to step up.
Sophomore Aiden Banyon-Mrak said, “It was a great feeling being able to place 3rd in a very hard tournament and to be able to beat out many different talented fencers.” The girls team unfortunately was unable to place in the tournament as a team, but the reason for this was because many seniors graduated. Kristen Coury was high up in the state’s rankings as a foil fencer
Caitie was recently committed to duke for fencing and that is a feat that very few people can say that they have accomplished. Even though the girls team didn’t perform very well during the tournament, it seems as though the team as a whole has a very promising season ahead. The boys team performed well and looks like they are going to continue.
Sophomore Aiden Banyon-Mrak said, “Its amazing how great the team played in the tournament and it was a great win for us. The team did great and the morale of the team was very high.” The boys team felt great after doing so well. The girls team on the other hand showed a lot of potential with a freshman being able to place. Also, many other people were able to do very well. This appears to be a very promising season and like the team will be able to perform to their very high potential.
