The Aquinas Academy gym in Hampton came alive during the school’s Senior Night Fencing Match, featuring seven participating teams in a well-attended showcase of skill and sportsmanship.

The Feb. 9 event opened with a ceremony honoring Aquinas Academy’s senior fencers: team captain Ben Everson, Evan Gounaris and Tony Shen.

The competition saw the Aquinas girls team triumph in its sole match, a 5-2 victory over Mt. Lebanon. Sophomores Lara Hainan and Meghan McGee closed out all their opponents. The Aquinas boys dropped matches to Mt. Lebanon and undefeated Shadyside Academy.

Teams from Mt. Lebanon, Shady Side, Seneca Valley, Winchester Thurston, North Allegheny and Taylor Allderdice joined the competition in a packed gymnasium.

“This event highlights the dedication of our seniors and the strength of our fencing community,” remarked John Carroll, head coach of Aquinas Academy’s fencing team.

The girls’ win was a crucial step forward in a run at the playoffs.

The Senior Night Fencing Match not only celebrated the achievements of Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh’s departing athletes, but also strengthened the bonds within the fencing community, promising a bright future for the sport at the academy.