Elis Crush Swordsmen; Crimson Ends Season

It wasn't a pretty sight.

The Harvard men's fencing team (5-6 overall) was soundly beaten by a dominant Yale squad, 20-7, last night at the Malkin Athletic Center. The match ended the Crimson's regular season.

After a miraculous comeback victory against Cornell last Saturday, Harvard was hoping to push its season record above .500 by surprising the highly-touted Elis. But Yale was too quick, too strong, too deep, and too good.

"Yale has a very experienced team," Assistant Coach Guo Huang said. "Every fencer on their team has fenced eight to ten years."

Harvard's inexperience--the team has only two seniors--was apparent as the Elis won handily in all three weapons: 7-2 in the sabre, 7-2 in the foil, and 6-3 in the epee. But despite the score, the Crimson put forth a tremendous effort.

No Complaints

"We fought hard," sabre Captain Paul Pollinger said. "We didn't throw any matches. Nobody gave up. We gave our best effort, and that's what counts."

The bout ended the regular-season careers of Tri-Captains Adam Weintraub and Jim Rothwell. The night was especially big for Rothwell, who fought in his first match since injuring his knee in December.

"I was really glad to compete," the senior said. "It felt good to be out there."