The Livingston High School girls’ fencing team is currently undefeated, with eight wins against no losses. “The girls are very passionate about and committed to this sport; nearly all our starters and a number of subs also fence outside of school and train at private fencing clubs,” says coach Jeanette Ng. “They have brought, and continue to bring, what they learn to school events and help each other grow as fencers and as a team. You will often hear them shouting ‘do this’ or ‘try that’ and see them call time-outs to strip-coach each other.”Coach Ng continued, “It is also of note that our subs have stepped up and kept our team competitive whenever we are down a starter or two. While missing a starter on Sunday, the girls were still able to place first in foil, second in sabre, and third in epee, to win the District 3 Tournament overall. After having such an incredible season, the girls were determined to bring the overall district title to Livingston again for the first time since 2015, and were truly successful.” Jasmine Chen, Anusha Bansal, Valentina Zheng, and Sophia Zheng played “huge parts in this win,” the coach added, by staying undefeated throughout the day.The girls’ fencing team saw just two seniors graduate, and welcomed seven new experienced members this year, three of whom are starters. “Despite the mix of new and returning members, the team ensures that no one feels out of place,” says Ng. “They’re all very kind people and would consider each other not only just teammates, but also friends. I sometimes joke with the other coaches and say the team likes each other a little too much, especially during a pandemic when hugs, high-fives, and piggy-back rides should be avoided. However, it’s always a joy to see the girls be silly and have fun with each other, but then put their game faces on as soon as someone steps on the strip.”
