Sacred Heart University sophomore Lance Tan completed his first-ever stint at the NCAA Fencing Championships, finishing at 18th place in the men’s foil event, Saturday morning (Manila time) at the Bryce Jordan Center in Pennsylvania.
The 2018 Youth Olympian garnered eight wins in the two-day five rounds of pools to give the SHU Pioneers eight points for the school’s total of 43, landing its men’s team a top 10 finish for the Championships.
Tan started well, taking three out of his first seven bouts in the pools, winning over Sebatiano Bicego of hosts Penn State, Paul Diventi, and Griffin Peter. He then added three more wins in the next two rounds to end the first day in 16th place.
The 20-year-old, however, struggled the following day taking only three wins in the last two rounds.
He took down Michael Desando in the fourth, before closing out his NCAA debut with wins over Blake Ruffner and Lawrence Song. Moreover, his earlier win against Clayton Reid was scratched as the Boston College bet withdrew due to injury.
Notre Dame found themselves champions of the men’s division after taking two titles in men’s foil and men’s sabre – both an all-Fighting Irish duel.
Marcello Olivares walked away with the foil gold after winning over teammate Andrew Machovec, while Luke Linder took down sparring partner Jared Smith.
Penn State’s own Ryan Griffiths averted a Notre Dame sweep after downing third-seed Stephen Ewart.
Tan is expected to compete next month starting April 1 at the World Junior and Cadet Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
The NCAA Fencing Championships continue Saturday morning in Pennsylvania with the women’s events. Filipino teen Samantha Cantantan will represent the hosts Nittany Lions in women’s foil starting at 9 a.m. (9 p.m. in Manila).
