Though it has been a very successful start to the season for Northwestern’s fencers, this weekend provides the first opportunity to succeed as a team.

In a season where the Wildcats have been extremely successful independently with fencers finishing in the top five at the USFA Burton Open and USFA Remenyik Open, NU fencers say they feel confident that their success will continue when they hit the strips for the first time competing as one collective unit this Saturday at the 2012 Western Invitational.

“I can’t remember the last time we lost to these teams in the tournament,” coach Laurie Schiller said. “We have a fair bit of confidence going into this.”

The event, which will be held on the campus of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., will include fencers from seven different colleges in the country competing for their respective schools in team competition.

This will be the first team competition NU has participated in this season.

“I know we all have been really anxious for the season to start,” junior foilist Dayana Sarkisova said. “I am just really excited to get out there.”

Schiller says he expects the NU fencers to go undefeated this weekend, but more specifically he wants to see the Cats avoid making mistakes and missing touches they should get.

“I wont be happy if we lose bouts to any people we just shouldn’t lose to,” Schiller said.

Given that this is a team event and only three fencers in each weapon can compete against another team in a dual, NU will only bring four fencers for each weapon to the tournament.

Among the fencers traveling, several freshmen – such as Rose Semmel (