Ridge Girls' Fencing Team Secures 2nd Place at Santelli Tournament

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 14:32 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

RIDGE, NJ - January 21, 2026 - Ridge High School's girls' fencing team is celebrating a remarkable achievement, securing a second-place finish at the highly competitive Santelli Tournament this past weekend. The team's performance solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the region's fencing landscape, trailing only Bronx Science, a perennial powerhouse. The impressive result also placed Ridge ahead of formidable rivals including Paul VI, Livingston, and Millburn.

The Santelli Tournament, renowned within the fencing community, consistently attracts the state's and region's top teams, making Ridge's second-place finish a truly significant accomplishment. The tournament's reputation demands a high level of skill and dedication from participating athletes and coaching staff alike. This showing underscores Ridge's rigorous training regime and the team's commitment to excellence.

A Triumph Across All Weapon Disciplines

The team's success wasn't confined to a single weapon. Ridge demonstrated exceptional proficiency in all three core fencing disciplines: foil, epee, and sabre. Each weapon requires distinct techniques and strategies, and the team's comprehensive strength across the board speaks to their well-rounded training and individual athlete talent. Foil fencing emphasizes speed, precision, and right-of-way rules, while epee focuses on priority and individual distance, and sabre prioritizes speed, aggression, and cutting actions. The ability to perform consistently well in all three areas highlights the team's depth and adaptability.

While individual results are often celebrated, team fencing necessitates a collaborative spirit and a strategic understanding of how each fencer's performance contributes to the overall score. Ridge's achievement suggests a strong team dynamic and effective leadership - both on and off the fencing strip.

Coach Haren Praises Team Effort and Focus on the Future

Head Coach Megan Haren expressed immense pride in the team's performance. "This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team," she stated. "We are incredibly proud of their performance and excited to see what they can accomplish this season."

Coach Haren's comments highlight the culmination of countless hours of practice, strategic planning, and personal dedication from each team member. The excitement for the remainder of the season indicates a continued focus on improvement and a desire to build upon this early success. The team's ambition likely extends beyond regional competitions, potentially eyeing state championships and even national recognition.

Looking Ahead: Ridge's Competitive Positioning

This second-place finish at the Santelli Tournament significantly strengthens Ridge's competitive standing for the rest of the season. The tournament provides a valuable benchmark for assessing their progress and identifying areas for improvement. Coaches will likely analyze individual bouts and team strategies to pinpoint strengths and address any weaknesses revealed during the competition.

The strong performance also serves as a powerful motivator for the team, boosting morale and reinforcing their belief in their capabilities. The pressure to maintain this level of performance will be considerable, but the team's demonstrated resilience and dedication suggest they are well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Spectators and supporters are eager to witness what Ridge's fencing team will achieve in the upcoming competitions, and the Santelli Tournament result has undoubtedly raised expectations across the school and wider community.

With a strong foundation built on talent, hard work, and a unified team spirit, Ridge High School's girls' fencing team is poised for a successful season. The road to the championship may be demanding, but their recent performance proves they have the skill and determination to contend for the top spot.