Nina van Loon won 14 bouts in the epee competition in four weekend matches for Harvard (Gil Talbot).

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. – Junior captain Alexandra Kiefer and freshman Nina van Loon posted 14-1 records as the Harvard women's fencing team got off to a 4-1 start during the NCAA portion of its schedule Saturday in a series of individual team matches hosted by Vassar in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Kiefer did her damage in the foil competition, while van Loon highlighted the epee event for Harvard.

"They fenced flawlessly, as far as I am concerned," head fencing coach Peter Brand said. "They were mentally and physically the toughest and most consistent two women."

The Crimson began the day 2-0, defeating Sacred Heart, 19-8, and crushing Vassar, 26-1, in the first and second rounds, respectively.

Penn State topped Harvard, 17-10, to hand the Crimson its only loss of the day.

In round four, Harvard got back to its winning ways with a 23-4 victory against UNC and cruised to a 20-7 triumph over NYU to polish off an impressive weekend in Poughkeepsie.

Harvard next hosts Tufts in its lone dual match of the season Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Malkin Athletic Center.