Stanford fencing is gearing up to take part in the Western Regionals this Sunday in La Jolla, Calif., in a crucial event that will showcase fencers en route to the NCAA Championships in Madison, New Jersey. With a number of talented fencers hoping to earn All-American honors, the Cardinal has an excellent chance to be well-represented at the Championships starting on Mar. 22.

First, though, the Cardinal needs to tackle the competition at the Western Regionals, including Cal State-Fullerton, CIT, UC-San Diego and Air Force. Stanford got a good look at the competition on Feb. 3 at the Western Invitational, as Stanford easily dispatched CIT and Cal State-Fullerton. But UC-San Diego and Air Force proved more than competent adversaries, as the Cardinal defeated the two schools by just a single point in each match.

Although Stanford is looking to dispatch the competition and claim the team title at Regionals, the event is more important on an individual level. Stanford co-head coach Lisa Milgram pointed out the daunting odds facing every one of her athletes.

“Between all those schools, only 12 people can qualify to NCAA Championships,” Milgram said. “This makes it very hard to qualify out of approximately 90 people.”

Sophomore standout sabreist Eva Jellinson echoed her coach’s sentiments.

“The format of Western Regionals is entirely individual, so I think right now most of us are wondering how we are going to handle our own teammates, as well as the talented fencers from other schools.”

With fabulous freshmen Phil Arredondo, Sarah Parker and Jessica Wacker complementing the experienced leadership of senior Heather Backman and junior Richard Fulton, the team is brimming with confidence.

The Cardinal core consists of an outstanding sophomore class, many of whom fenced brilliantly as freshmen last year and have made strides this season as well. Sophomores Brittany Leader, Dan Tucker, Clayton Kenney and Teddy Levit, along with Jellinson, will all have a shot at competing in the NCAA Championships.

“I’m optimistic for the team, hoping we can get at least a squad of six,” Jellinson said. “Anyone can win on any given day.”

Coach Milgram acknowledges that the competition has stiffened this year but still has plenty of conviction in her team’s sky-high potential.

“We have a young team and the region has become stronger this year,” Milgram said. “But I think if everyone fences their best, we will win the Western Regionals, as well as qualify many who have a shot to be All-Americans.”