Fencing beat: Hills proving big-time, now

Hills' program has arrived

Despite an 18-9 defeat to Ward Melville on Jan. 10, Half Hollow Hills believes a statement was made: It is a team to be reckoned with.

Half Hollow Hills (6-1) took seven of the nine epee bouts from the Patriots, the powerhouse riding a Long Island-record 135-meet win streak. Hills' showing in the match was impressive, considering the team was created in 2006, when Ward Melville was already on its fifth of nine straight championships.

"Our team has really progressed over the years," senior captain Kelsey Young said. "All the girls have worked really hard to get to this point."

The team trains year-round and has proved it can hold its own against elites. Hills is currently ranked second in Suffolk.

"Even though we came out with a loss," coach Dennis Daly said, "it was a good loss."