Though both teams would go on to make strong showings in the conference championships, they got of the season. Harvard travelled to Queens, New York to participate in the St. John’s Invitational to begin 2013 and went 1-4 overall. The women’s team failed to pick up a win against any of its first five opponents, even as Kiefer went 13-2 individually, the strongest Crimson performance.

With only one tournament left until the Ancient Eight championships, Harvard redeemed itself with three wins on each side in the Beanpot, sweeping MIT, Brandeis, and Boston College. Kiefer posted a perfect 9-0 record on the women’s side, and Michael Woo went undefeated on the men’s side.

Before the Crimson advanced to NCAA Championships, it returned to Queens to compete in regionals. Sophomore Brian Kaneshige won the gold medal in the foil—one of three for the men—and Kiefer and sophomore Emma Vaggo took home bronze medals in the foil and the epee, respectively. The women also earned a pair of top-ten finishes in the sabre competition.

Badger credited his captains, juniors Raynis and Lucas Lin, with creating a supportive atmosphere, which allowed the team to be more cohesive and competitive.

“The captains did a really good job of solidifying team culture and making the team a very fun experience,” Badger said.

—Staff writer Hope Schwartz can be reached at hschwartz@college.harvard.edu. Follow her on Twitter @HopeSchwartz16.