NEW YORK – The Yeshiva University men's fencing team squared off with defending NCAA National Champion Columbia University in a dual-meet, at the Dodge Fitness Center's Columbia Fencing Room, on Thursday evening. The Maccabees fell by a score of 23-4. This was the first time these two teams faced each other in 25 years.

"It was a great honor for a big school to give our University this opportunity and I am greatly appreciative of the chance," Yeshiva University Head Coach Peter Rosas said.

Sophomore Zaelig Averch led the way for the Maccabees, as he won all three of his epee bouts against the reigning national champions. Senior Sammy Teichberg was victorious in a sabre duel.

After the match, the two programs exchanged t-shirts as a sign of respect.

"It was great to have Yeshiva University on campus," Columbia Fencing Coach Michael Aufrichtig said. "They have a solid group of fencers and an extremely dedicated coach in Peter Rosas. We wanted to give them an opportunity to fence the best team in the country. It proved to be a great evening and a friendly event."

Yeshiva will compete in the MACFA Championships, on the campus of Drew University, on Sunday, March 1. The competition is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.