On Feb. 9, Ridge's boys' fencing team competed in the first bracket for the state title against Don Bosco Prep. In a decisive 15-12 victory, Ridge intends to repeat last year's reign as state champions and is well on its way.

With an initial fifth place seeding, Ridge had the home court advantage on Tuesday when they faced Don Bosco of Ramsey, who was seeded twelfth. Ridge's foil squad came together as the squad had a 6-3 victory overall, with fencers Cooper Pearson, Tim Gaziano, and Adrian Trentesaux all going 2-1 individually. Gaziano won a vital bout 5-2 in the third round to clinch the meet at 14-10.

"Overall, we all chipped in our efforts together and managed to pull through together as a team …we all did our individual parts and that won against Don Bosco," said team captain Jon Wong.

The sabre squad, with Ben Loft, James Belardo, and Scott Kaplan, led the way for the team with a 5-4 victory overall and squad leader Belardo fencing undefeated.

The epee squad, consisting of Paul Padian, Jon Wong, and Connor Pelos, had to put up a tough fight against Don Bosco, as both epee squads finished in the top three at the Cetrulo Relay Tournament earlier in the season. With Wong finishing 3-0, Ridge's epees finished with an overall score of 4-5.

"We were on and off in our performance, and overall we put in a good effort and kept them on their toes. We will get even with them and we expect to do better next time," comments Wong.

After this victory, the Ridge boys have reached the top eight in the state; they will compete again in the "Elite Eight" competition for a place in the top four on Wednesday, Feb. 17.