The fencing team lost its opening match of the season Saturday. But the closeness of the 12-15 defeat at the hands of last year's Eastern intercollegiate champions from N.Y.U. indicates that the Crimson can hope for a successful season.

A surprise 5 to 4 victory by the epee team was the key to the strong Crimson showing. Nick Spitzer and Hugh Winig each won twice and Don McCloskey won once to secure the victory. Sophomore Winig, making his first varsity appearance, showed particularly good form.

In the saber, rated the Crimson's strongest event, Paul Zygas scored two victories and John Kennedy and Roger Barzun each won once, but the N.Y.U. team managed an overall 5-4 win. N.Y.U. also took the foil events, 6 to 2.

The team should score an easy victory over Brandeis Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. in the I.A.B.