The team worked hard and did not give up this season. (LRHS)

As the 2025 boys and girls Lakeland fencing season comes to an end, it’s easy to say that this season was a huge success for the fencers on and off the mat. With many ups and downs, the fencing team had to overcome many hardships throughout the season.

Even though the fencers may have lost a few matches this year, their constant determination to keep going makes them different from other teams. The team was never willing to give up no matter who they faced.

This girls fencing team got their first win of the season at Passaic Valley High School after winning 16-11, with each fencer contributing to the score. The boys team also had success at the team’s Senior Night, where they won against Morris Catholic 16-10. Zach Scott, senior, said, “Winning that game was unexpected but it made me feel good that we won on Senior Night.” Like Scott, this was many seniors’ last home fencing game with Lakeland, including Alyssa Wheeler, Mia Conaway, PJ Seela, and Neo Li.

Seela, who is a team captain for the fencers and fights on the epee sword, qualified for states as he won second place in the district as an epee.

On this season as a whole, Jovie Kazimir, sophomore, shared, “This season has been amazing. Even if it’s only my second year fencing, it’s good to see how far the team has come. Especially the new fencers. They are so amazing and so determined, I’m very proud of them.”

This season many freshmen made their debut in the fencing world. Freshman Antonia Politano, a saber fencer, said that what inspired her to join the fencing team was because she “wanted to do something new.” She continued, “I wanted to meet new people and find an activity that was unique.” Politano said that this season she has made many new friends and is happy that she is in this community.

The team has made many preparations for next season as they are going to meet many new freshmen and new challenges. With two seniors graduating from the girls fencing, the team is determined to recruit as many freshmen to the team as possible. Kazimir also goes on to talk about what the team needs to improve on. She said that the biggest issue this season was the “attendance and timing.”

Zach Brown, sophomore, gives his advice to incoming freshmen: “Whenever someone gives advice, listen. [It] doesn’t even matter if they’re giving advice to you. Any advice, listen to it.”He also goes on to say, “Fencing is a team sport that greatly rewards individual skill. In other words, don’t try to mimic what others do. Figure out what you can do. What you’re good at, and then, perfect it.” Politano adds on to Brown’s word’s by saying, “Just be yourself, and don’t be afraid to get to know your teammates. We’re all there for you, and we’re going to help you in every way possible.” This team is very excited for what next season will bring and expressed their excitement to meet the new freshman next season.

The fencing team cannot wait for next season to come, and they are very excited to see what it has in store for them as they are ready for any obstacle to come their way.