RESULTS

WINNER

1. Josh Blum (RBS)

2. Asher T. (RBS)

3. Charlie G. (RSA)

PROMOTIONS & RE-GRADES

1. Josh Blum promoted to D

2. Asher T. promoted to D

3. Charlie G. promoted to D

4. Nathan E. promoted to E

5. Sofia B-R. promoted to E

6. Ethan T. promoted to E

The first tournament of the year for VA/MD was a special one, with the new Dyad weapon class making a strong showing. Thirteen competitors came together to for a strong D3 tournament, where the top 8 would be awarded with ranks. There were a lot of newcomers to the field.

The afternoon started off with the largest squadron (Red) with three E's, Asher T, Charlie G, and Brent Keith, fighting off newcomers Lizzie C-M, and Ethan T. Asher won the pool, barely squeaking by Charlie in the very first match. Newcomer Lizzie, managed to defeat Brent in a tight second match, and another newcomer Ethan surprised with some great sword skills taking third place in the pool.

The second squadron was Blue. The newcomer Nathan surprised everyone by narrowly beating Grant, taking the top honors for the pool. During the pool Emily stuck with Dyad for most pool, except when facing fellow teammate Grant. Grant in turn showing off his Dyad skills against Ian. Grant's low crouching stance was different and possible threw Ian who wasn't used that a style like that, but had a strong outing.

Green squadron was last where we had captain Josh Blum, veterans Locke and Sophia, and newcomer Evan. Josh came out swinging with Dyad, utilizing the second blade for quite a few returns. The surprise in this pool was newcomer Evan besting Locke in a very hard fought battle.

In the eliminations, everyone fought hard. Ethan won his match against Evan, propelling him into the top 8, along with Charlie, Sofia, Grant and Emily, with Asher, Josh and Nathan have byes. Asher then moved past Ethan into the top 4 with Charlie close behind him. In a rematch from the pools, Grant and Nathan dueled it out in a heated battle, where power levels were a bit too high. After reining in their power they ended regulation at a 9-9 tie. In a stunning move Nathan won and moved into the top 4 with Josh defeating Emily while both with utilizing Dyad class.

In the semi-finals, Asher and Charlie seemed to exchange blow for blow until, Asher found an opening and won. Nathan struggled against Josh's duel wielding, but held his own until the end with Josh taking the victory and moving to the finals against Asher.

Before the finals, the fence of for third took place with a back a forth between Charlie and Nathan. Charlie's fencing experience showed as he commanded the distance and took third place with a very close match.

For the finals, it was a back and forth until the end where after what seemed like a ring-out would cost Asher the win, the timing was too close. The action was thrown out, and the clock reset to 10 seconds, with Asher at 11 and Josh at 10. In the final seconds, Josh landed a 2 point hit to take the victory.

With the final standing we awarded 3 new D and 3 new Es, with Josh, Asher and Charlie earning their Ds and Nathan, Sofia, and Ethan earning their Es.

CHRIS STADTHER

Tournament Director