Northampton High School fencing team showing well in competitions

The Northampton High School fencing team showcased exceptional skill at the Massachusetts High School Fencing League competitions recently.

On Jan. 20, they emerged victorious against International School of Boston (4-1) and tied with Brooke High School (3-3), while exhibiting resilience against strong competitors like St. John’s Preparatory Academy (5-1 loss) and Concord-Carlisle High School (3-2 loss).

Continuing their success on Jan. 21 at Beaver Country Day School, the team competed against Beaver Country Day (4-1 loss), Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (5-1 loss) and Brookline High School (4-2 loss).

Standouts included Women's Epee fencers Willa Barman and Klara Sokop, with only two losses each, who played a pivotal role in the team's success. Special mention goes to sophomore squad captains Willa Barman, Noah Bradbury Nyx Hagan, Ryan Raud-Mickle, and freshman Elliot Dinsmore for their exceptional coaching.

Notably, Women's Epee dominated with wins against six out of seven schools. Men's Epee and Men's Saber each secured victories against three out of seven schools, while the newly formed Men's Foil squad impressed with wins against two schools. Despite challenges, including a shortage in Women's Saber, the team triumphed against the International School of Boston and tied with Brooke High School.

The NHS fencing team's outstanding performance highlighted their strength, determination and excellent coaching by Camilla Sise in the Massachusetts High School Fencing League. The team now prepares for their next big challenge: state championships at the end of February.