During the past four seasons, coach Zach Moss’ squad has continuously ascended to new heights, knocking off formidable foes and climbing the regional ranks to become a midwestern and national juggernaut. Seasons of sustained success have put the program on a lofty pedestal, as accolades and statement victories pile up for No. 8 Northwestern.
However, the Wildcats entered Ohio State’s French Fieldhouse Saturday looking to slay a proverbial beast they hadn’t conquered in years past — an outright conference title at the CCFC Championships. NU came close as co-champions in 2021, but the ’Cats finished runners up behind No. 13 Ohio State the past two seasons.
Behind a dominant display from young talents and veterans alike, NU nabbed an elusive conference crown in emphatic fashion Sunday, cementing its postseason prowess among the regional pool.
The ’Cats made quick work of their first two competitors, sweeping all weapon categories for a pair of 27-0 victories against Detroit Mercy and Cleveland State. Less than two hours later, Moss’ squad’s swords stayed strikingly sharp, slicing past Lawrence for a 24-3 defeat.
After blowing past Wayne State by a 23-4 margin, NU faced its toughest test of the day, as the ’Cats stared down the Buckeyes. On its home turf, Ohio State looked to nab a third consecutive conference title.
NU took a 7-2 advantage in saber, but the Buckeyes battled back with a 6-3 victory in foil. Securing a 6-3 upperhand in epee, the ‘Cats came out on top with a pivotal 16-11 result.
Now, all that stood between NU’s quest for conference superiority was a late afternoon duel with Denison. Not to be denied, the ‘Cats cruised to three consecutive 8-1 wins in each category to earn their place atop the tournament’s podium.
After clinching team hardware Saturday, NU returned Sunday for the tournament’s individual round.
During the opening senior women’s foil event, juniors Yejine Lee and Rowan Park tied for third place. Rounding off the top-six, sophomores Allison Lee and Samantha Serban finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
The squad’s Saturday standards extended to the epee event, where sophomore Karen Wang topped the leaderboard, finishing in first place. Freshman Emma Ning acquired a share of bronze bragging rights, tying for third place.
The ’Cats’ sabres shone Sunday, as freshman Adele Bois bested a stacked field to secure an individual crown. Senior Sky Miller followed up her first-year counterpart, landing runner up honors. One spot down the podium, senior Levi Hoogendorn tied for third place.
NU will return to competition in Detroit March 9, as the ‘Cats look to maintain their recent scintillating stretch at the NCAA Midwest Regionals. Just 12 days later, Moss’ group will attempt to ink its name in immortality at the NCAA Championships March 21 and 22.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @jakeepste1n
Related Stories:
— Fencing: Northwestern picks up four wins, falls to hosts UNC at Tar Heel Duals
— Fencing: Northwestern sweeps NU Duals
— Fencing: Northwestern’s Sky Miller leaves indelible mark on Ryan Fieldhouse
