The Randolph Boys and Girls Fencing teams celebrated their seniors following their match against Morris Hills on Thursday, Feb. 5. Although both teams fell to the opponent, with the boys at 17-10 and the girls at 22-5, the night was about more than just the final score.

During a post-meet ceremony, Randolph honored its 11 seniors:

• Cassidy Chaudhari, girls sabre and team captain
• Ritvik Thota, sabre and team captain
• Ranya Preetanchal, girls foil captain
• Ryan Walker, boys foil captain
• Medha Mahamkali, girls epee captain
• Bodhi Kolankowski, boys epee captain
• Nicholas Garcia Lesmez, armorer
• Andrew Walker, fencer
• Sophie Visser, fencer
• Daniel Perez, fencer
• Parmitha Mudipalli, fencer

Before the ceremony began, the seniors made their presence known on the strip.

On the boys’ side, despite a chaotic start to the meet with only one referee available, Kolankowski earned Randolph’s first win of the night and helped steady the team. A. Walker went undefeated 3 – 0, while sophomore Joseph Schmidt went 2-1 by the end of the meet.

On the girls’ side, seniors Visser and Mahamkali carried the team, going 2-1 each.

Throughout the meet, Randolph kept several bouts close across all three weapons, but Morris Hills gradually pulled ahead as the rounds progressed. The boys and girls foil and sabre squads fought through multiple tight 5–4 bouts, but despite the determined team effort and several standout individual wins, Morris Hills’ depth ultimately secured the final margin.

Following the meet, underclassmen formed a blade salute as seniors ran through, one at a time, letting the moment sink in.

“I think after four years in this program, I’ve enjoyed every practice, every meet and every competition,” Garcia said. “Most of all I’ve loved the memories: the wins, the losses and everything in-between. This night made it all the more special.”

Each senior addressed crowd, sharing favorite memories from their time on the Randolph Fencing team and revealing their college plans. They were presented with framed senior photos and gift bags in celebration of their time with the program.

The seniors leave behind a legacy of leadership, resilience and dedication that shaped the program far beyond the strip. From guiding younger fencers during practice to setting the standard for effort and sportsmanship, their impact was felt in every weapon squad, and their presence will be deeply missed next season.

“The seniors this year are some of the most selfless people I know,” Schmidt said. “Andrew, Ritvik and Nick always found time to work with me, whether it was fixing my footwork or technique or blade. Their work ethic inspired and motivated everyone around them. They will be big shoes to fill and will be missed.”