The Great Neck South girls fencing team’s dream season came to an end as they lost to Ward Melville in the Long Island Championship on Feb. 7.

Head coach Catherine Sagevick said although they didn’t win a Long Island Championship, the girls were happy to hoist a Nassau County crown, which they earned against rivals Great Neck North on Feb. 4.

She added that they are already looking to build off of this year’s success.

“The loss did not dampen anyone spirits,” Sagevick said. “The girls have already told me that their goal is to be back here next year. They have already begun preparing.”

Sagevick said after graduating two senior captains from last year’s team, they were unsure of what this season may bring but their mission was to become Long Island Champions.

According to Sagevick, their success this year has been due to a hardworking, determined and extremely motivated group of young ladies that finished the season undefeated at 15-0.

Sagevick said four fencers who were instrumental in their run this season are Macy Meng, Hannah Gal, Angie Lei and Ariel Kang.

Meng, the team captain, was vital in keeping the team on track by allowing them to stay motivated and dedicated to their goal.

“She encourages her fellow teammates to always strive for their best,” Sagevick said. “She spent countless hours working with them on techniques to improve their fencing skills and build confidence in themselves.”

Gal and Lei are four-year veterans whose developments led to forming a solid squad in epee, according to Sagevick.

Sagevick said Kang has consistently demonstrated her ability to quickly assess and respond to her opponent’s moves. She also achieved a third place finish in this year’s Individual Championship, according to Sagevick.

Sagevick said a big factor behind their success was that every girl, whether a starter or substitute, worked together to achieve their common goal.

In the end, it resulted in a perfect regular season, a league title, a division crown and a county championship.

“As much as fencing is an individual sport, when the girls support each other and work together to improve not only themselves but their teammates, the team as a whole benefits,” Sagevick said. “This year, the girls truly worked in concert as a team. I am so very proud of them all.”