PHILADELPHIA - Another year begins with expectations as high as ever for the nationally ranked Temple fencing team, led by Hall of Fame coach Dr. Nikki Franke who achieved her 800th career win last season. The Owls have maintained a consistent top 10 ranking over the years, and sent three fencers to the NCAA Championships last season with one of those, junior Kennedy Lovelace, earning All-America Second Team honors in foil.
As a team, Temple racked up a still-impressive 26 wins after a program-record 34 the year prior, which Franke chalks up to a lack of consistency.