MADISON, NJ -- The New Jersey Institute of Technology men's and women's fencing teams competed at the Drew Invitational in its 2009-10 season opener Sunday afternoon.

The NJIT men's fencing team was victorious in three out of five contests coming up with wins against Drew (15-12), Lafayette (17-10) and Maryland (23-4).

Freshman epee fencer Valentin Ischer, who is currently on the junior Swiss National team combined for a 15-3 record on the day.  Ischer swept Maryland, St. John's (MD), Lafayette.  The men's epee squad went 9-0 vs. St. John's (MD).

Sophomore co-captain Tony Sorgi registered eight victories Sunday against Drew, Stevens, Lafayette and Maryland.

Freshman Max McDermott made his first collegiate appearance Sunday compiling a 14-2 record on the foil strip.   Classmate Dylan Carr went 9-7 (in five contests), with sweeps over Maryland and Lafayette.

On the women's side, top returnee Sherry Edwards combined for a 10-2 record at epee while sophomore Macarena Maldonado appeared on the strip for the first time as a Highlander Sunday posted a 9-3 record.

First time fencer Karen Cilento went 7-4 on the sabre strip as captain Jennifer Ramos, switching from epee to foil fencer this season, recorded a 5-7 record, including a sweep against Maryland.

The women defeated Maryland (13-9) and were edged by Drew (12-15) and Lafayette (8-12).

The women's fencing team returns to action on December 1 when they host Queens (NY) at 6pm at the Estelle and Zoom Fleisher Athletic Center.

The men's fencing team returns to action on December 4 when they compete at the North American Cup in Pittsburgh.