This February, La Jolla Country Day’s fencing team wrapped up a very eventful season, overcoming challenges with determination and resilience. Despite a bit of a rocky start, the team showcased improvement and commitment to the sport throughout their competitions.
The first tournament of the season, scheduled for January 11 in Pasadena, was unfortunately canceled due to the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. However, the team quickly refocused on their next matches at Team Touche Fencing Club (TTFC), where they competed against Cathedral Catholic and Pasadena Polytechnic.
While the early co-ed matches proved to be tough battles, the girls’ team, competing in a combined squad with another school, secured a dominant win, finishing with a strong 45-20+ victory.
The final tournament of the season was an individual event, with standout performances from multiple fencers. Senior Elenor Stickney placed 18th in the girls’ pools, and Calder Baker-Hefley ranked 12th, while Eric Li ranked 11th in the boys’ pools. All three fencers advanced past their first direct elimination round before facing higher-ranked opponents in their second matches. Elenor finished with a close 15-11 bout against the No. 2 seed. Calder pushed his match to the limit, narrowly losing 14-15 against the No. 5 seed, while Eric put up a strong fight with a 15-12 result.
Since November 13, the team has been training three times a week at TTFC, sharpening their skills and building camaraderie. However, this season also marks a bittersweet farewell. The team bids farewell to seniors Elenor Stickney and Olivia Howe, whose leadership and dedication have been invaluable, as well as Coach Joanne Edelstein, who has played a vital role in shaping the team’s growth.
With the season now concluded, the team is looking forward to welcoming new members for next year. Fencing is an exciting sport that challenges both the body and the mind, offering a unique blend of strategy, athleticism, and camaraderie. No experience is necessary to join—just a willingness to learn and a competitive spirit. Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or want to try something different, now is the perfect time to consider stepping onto the strip!
