NEW YORK, NY (February 10, 2011) – For the first time in school history, the Vassar College women's fencing team return from the Big Apple with a victory over New York University. The Brewers, coming off their championship of the Northeast Fencing Conference, defeated NYU 17-10, but the win was slightly tempered by a 22-5 loss to a strong Columbia team. in the nightcap.

The 31-7 Brewers will next compete in the New England Championships hosted by Mount Holyoke College on February 27.

Notable performers for the women's team came from sophomore foilist Katie LeClair at 4-2, junior sabre fencer Brooke Schieffer at 3-3, freshman Hallie Stotler at 2-2, senior epeeist Sophie Courser at 3-3 and junior Veronica Weser at 3-3.

Round 1 – Vassar 17 – NYU 10
After a close loss to NYU (13-14) earlier in the season, the Brewers went into Coles Sports Center scenting victory. Behind 7-2 resounding wins by the sabre and epee squads, finally defeated NYU for the first time in program history. In sabre, Schieffer was 3-0 and Stotler and senior captain Julie Carlsen were 2-1. In epee, Courser was 3-0 and Weser and sophomore Caitlin Clevenger were 2-1. In fact Weser and Clevenger were one touch each away from making in a Vassar sweep. Foil has a tougher time of it against an always-strong NYU squad. Leclair did manage to go 2-1 and the squad finished 3-6.

Round 2 – Columbia 22 - Vassar 5
Columbia was as tough match for the Brewers. Sabre was swept in this round 0-9. Epee managed one victory by Weser and went 1-8. Foil almost pulled of a squad victory with LeClair again at 2-1 and beating a nationally ranked opponent.