The Gray Bee’s fencing squad was squashed by the Millburn Millers 10-17 on February 4. The team’s mediocre performance is only a stumble in the road on their way to the State Prep Championships.

A few Gray Bees did shine on the piste even with a strongly-matched opponent. UDII Omari Smoak went undefeated contributing three points to the overall match score for Benedict’s. UDII Noah Acevedo, UDII Yovany Jimenez-Garcia, and UDI Jeremy Ferreira also won two out of their three bouts. But starting the match by losing five out of the first six bouts against an intense Millburn team put the Gray Bees in a deep hole.

“We could’ve performed way better. There was no doubt in my mind that we could’ve won,” Noah said.

St. Benedict’s started to shift momentum onto their side after winning three straight bouts with explosive stabs and smart moves, but as their aggressive spirit vanished the team fell in six out of their next seven bouts.

After a tough season last year with only seven fencers, the fencing team currently has a winning record of 6-5 and looks forward to placing at the State Prep Championships. This year’s team has no seniors but does have a group of young, determined players focusing on going beyond their limits.

“We are working hard and pushing each other. The older guys are helping the younger fencers who have less experience, and we have a lot of fun competing together,”Travis Young said.