Four Owls Tabbed for NCAA Championships :: Howell, Parker, Griffith and Wu all selected to NCAA Championships in Columbus

March 5, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - Sophomore epeeist Kristin Howell, sophomore saberist Christie Griffith, sophomore foilist Melissa Parker and freshman epeeist Grace Wu have been tabbed regional selections for the NCAA Championships to be held in Columbus, Ohio from March 13 - 16.

"Coach [Bradley] Baker and I are very pleased with the selection of Kristin, Christie, Melissa and Grace," said Temple head coach Nikki Franke. "The competition will be fierce but I feel we are ready to perform our best and our fencers are looking forward to the challenge."

Senior epeeist Marla Nacey and junior foilist Nina Gernes have also been tabbed as alternates for the Championships.

The selection marks the second time that both Parker and Griffith have been tabbed for the NCAA Championships, as both were selected to the 2007 Championships. Howell and Wu will both be competing in the Championships for the first time.

The Owls received four out of a possible six selections to the NCAA Championship Finals. The tournament will be a complete round-robin of 24 fencers in each weapon.

The Cherry and White take flight for Columbus, Ohio and the NCAA Championships on Thursday, March 13 until Sunday, March 16.