Week Two of Summer Slash brought a much tighter operation by a much more experienced staff, and tons of surprises and amazing comebacks, including the darkhorse and top cadet Jeremiah Rodriguez, who topped nearly all competitors in a 5-1 record for the night, giving him the top spot for Week 2.

Almost right away, it was clear that Week Two had a different breed of Lightspeed Saber fencer, as they dazzled spectators and streamwatchers alike with incredible dodges and blade interplays, with remarkably clean fighting and fantastic defensive points. Longtime teammates Hikaru Hayakawa (Ru) and Lone Wolf Captain Andre Gonzales (Moose) fought through long saber exchanges with neither able to score on the other. The entire crowd held its breath as it awaited the final result: the captain coming out on top.

Moose was probably the sole bolter of the night, scoring numerously with skilled and well timed charges to the face, and careful slips against lowline attacks. He ultimately came out tied with teammate Noah Farmer, who was competing in Lightspeed for the first time. They ultimately had to fence in a run-off for third place, with Moose taking revenge for his loss to Farmer earlier, and qualifying for the final night of Summer Slash IV.

Farmer, like his captain, earned 4 wins and 2 losses (not counting his extra loss to Moose at the end of the night), and made effective use of frequent rising attacks, confounding many of his opponents. Unfortunately for him it was not enough against some of his more savvy competitors, who saw through the play and were able to time well-placed countermovements.

William Alonzo of Krait Base was visibly winded during some of the event, though he still managed two wins for himself. He adjusted admirably to the no-pommel rules, which probably affected him the most as a frequent grip-switcher. It seemed to hardly affect his style, however, as he carefully made sure to hold the appropriate grip with all his usual switch-hitting. He was the only person that evening to defeat overall winner Jeremiah Rodriguez.

This was Rodriguez’ second time competing with seniors, the first time when he was just 13, in which he failed to score any wins. In the intervening years, he competed in and eventually dominated the cadet division, now finally graduating to the senior division. The years of training paid off, as Rodriguez was clearly the youngest there, but farthest from least skilled. He stunned his opponents with fast snipes, virtuosic defense, and careful sidehooks. He is sure to be a force to contend with in the final.

Rodriguez’ Irvine teammate, Walter Simbol, was competing for the first time but was a surprising power in the event, scoring four wins and placing ahead of the Lone Wolves by just two points. Simbol favored headshots and using his size to attack from high with accurate hits, though he also scored one or two 3-point counterattacks. These eventually led to his taking second place for the night.

Finally, Kieran Haile of Krait Base, a newcomer, and the only competitor to fight through a major injury, performed admirably for his first competition, earning one win over teammate William Alonzo. He showed surprising speed and agility even with his left leg in a brace, scoring numerous headshots, driving up his score, sometimes from a significant deficit. Imagine what he could do without a brace!

I don’t exaggerate when I say that this was such an incredible night, with so many amazing matches to choose from. New referees Tony Zaldua and Jose Ortiz-Miranda had their best night thus far, and I’m sure the best night is yet to come. Priscilla Haile tried her hand at commentating for the first time, and she was a huge help in getting and keeping the stream running. Thank you to all the staff for putting in their time to make this possible, thank you to the fencers, and thanks to all the mom, grandmoms, uncles, and wives who came out to support the fencers.

See you next week for Week 3!

Supreme Leader Snow