RESULTS

1. Ryan McKenna (SKL)

2. Vincent DelVecchio (SKL)

3. Michael Sprague (SKL)

The Battle of Caerbannog tournament in Falmouth, Virginia, held on March 30th, 2024, featured a diverse array of competitors showcasing their skills in Lightspeed Saber fencing. This Easter event was an open, mixed weapons tournament that introduced Tano saber to the region.

COMPETITORS

Riverbend saber members included Emily Wsatson who is known for her dedication as a Dyad user, potentially giving her an upper hand with the similar Tano saber. Madison Moreyra, also from Riverbend Saber Club, showcased her growth and improvement since her last competition in late 2023, proving herself as a force to be reckoned with despite her U rating. And Benjamin Broklawski demonstrated his potential as he entered the tournament with a U rating, eager to make his mark in Lightspeed Saber fencing.

Then there was Ryan McKenna, a seasoned competitor with a C rating and a previous gold medalist in the region, brought his expertise and determination to the tournament, Vincent DelVecchio, rated D, and Michael Sprague, rated E and Brooks Baseler, in only her second tournament, who embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, eager to gain experience and refine her skills in the arena. 

Anthony and Cole Robertson made their debut in Lightspeed fencing, and although new to the scene, they approached the tournament with eagerness and determination.

POOLS

In the red pool, Michael Sprague dominated the pool, claiming first place by winning all four of his matches and amassing 29 points. Meanwhile, Ryan McKenna secured second place with an impressive performance that won him three matches and a total of 28 points. Then with two wins was Cole Robertson who place third in the pool nad Brooks Baseler in fourth place with one victory and a total of 20 points. Finally, Benjamin Broklawski faced tough competition and finishing in fifth place with no wins, but a still significant total of 14 points.

In the blue pool, Anthony Robertson emerged as the leader, securing first place with an impressive performance. He won all three of his matches, accumulating a total of 26 points. Vincent DelVecchio displayed skill and determination by winning two matches and 21 points which earned him second place in the pool. Then Madison Moreyra claimed third place with one victory and a total of 12 points. Emily Watson, testing Tano for the first time, finishing in fourth place with no wins and a total of 19 points.

BRACKETS

FINALS

Emily Watson, one of the few fencers to not receive a bye into the brackets, came extremely close to the finals before being eliminated by Vincent DelVecchio. Still, she was offered one more chance for a medal—fighting against Michael Sprauge for bronze. It was a close match as the points climbed on either side, but ultimately it was Sprauge who earned those extra 2 points on Watson, earning him 3rd place. 

Then it was time for Vincent DelVecchio and Ryan McKenna’s fight for for gold. Both fencers had a lot at stake, with DelVecchio looking to earn his C and McKenna seeking to add a second 1st place medal to his collection after earning his first in September 2023. Another fairly close match like the bronze as the two fencers’ experiences meant they had a fierce battle ahead of them. Ultimately, it was McKenna’s skill that secured him a victory of 16-12 and his second gold medal in Lightspeed.

DINAH KOLASA

LIGHTSPEED EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT