WEST POINT, N.Y. (January 20, 2008) - Junior epee fencer Rachel Cannell led the Stevens Institute of Technology women's fencing team to a 3-1 day with wins over Hunter College, Fairleigh Dickinson University and the United States Military Academy on Sunday at the Army Open in West Point, N.Y. Cannell posted a flawless 10-0 record as the Ducks defeated FDU 18-9, Army 18-9 and Hunter 14-13 before falling to Vassar College by an 9-18 decision.

Senior foilist and captain Natalia Chabebe, went 10-2 in her bouts with 3-0 wins against Army and FDU. Making her first collegiate start, sophomore foilist Danielle Bisson had a solid performance as she recorded a 6-5 record. Rounding out the top-three in foil, junior Khairun Nisa Aziz finished 8-2 on the day.

In sabre, junior Laura Sodon posted a 7-5 mark, while sophomore epee fencer Alexis Sowuleski finished with a 7-4 performance. Head Coach Linda Vollkommer-Lynch was pleased with today's outcome.

“It was a good day for us,” said Vollkommer-Lynch. “Overall there was plenty of great competition, with Army being one of our toughest opponents each year. We also had solid individual records as everyone showed great spirit and a high level of enthusiasm throughout the day,” added Vollkommer-Lynch.

Stevens foil squad had a combined record of 25-11 at the open. The epee team finished with a 23-13 mark, as the sabre team went 14-22. A three-way tie occurred for first-place as Stevens, Vassar and Army finished the day with a 3-1 record. Hunter followed with a 1-3 score as FDU posted an 0-4 mark. With today's victories the Ducks improve to 4-3 on the season.

Stevens will return to action next Sunday as it is scheduled to face the University of New Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke College and Smith College in Durham, N.H. at 10 a.m.