LIGHTSPEED RESULTS

WINNERS

1. Tony Zaldua (KB)

2. Cang Snow (KC)

3. Phoebe Camilletti (KC)

4. Jose Ortiz-Miranda (KB)

PROMOTIONS & RE-GRADES

1. Zaldua Jr promoted to A

2. Snow renews B

3. Camilletti promoted to C

The SoCal Halloween Bash at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles saw a diverse lineup of competitors, each with their own aspirations and skill levels. Jose Ortiz-Miranda, hailing from Krait Base in LA, entered the ring with a solid B rating, fueled by the ambition to elevate it to an A. Meanwhile, Cang Snow from Knight Club in Irvine, another B-rated fencer, had his sights set on achieving that coveted A rating.

Phoebe Camilletti, also representing Knight Club in Irvine, brought her unranked status into the mix, determined to leave with her inaugural grade. Tony Zaldua, like Ortiz-Miranda, emerged from Krait Base in LA with a B rating, battling fiercely to ascend back to the A tier that he pioneered. John Mullins from Knight Club in Irvine and William Alonzo from Krait Base in LA, both carrying a C rating, showcased their skills and determination on the vibrant battleground.

Irving Corona, seeking his first grade, and Chad Goldberg, a debutant competitor, brought a fresh energy to the event. Preston Pomeroy of Knight Club in Irvine, like Camilletti, was on a quest for that first grade. Geoff McCalla, also a first-timer visiting from Swordplay LA, added an element of unpredictability to the competition. The clash of talent and ambition at the SoCal Halloween Bash was nothing short of exhilarating.

The tournament was conducted as two back-to-back pools of five competitors each. There, Jose Ortiz-Miranda showcased an extraordinary performance, winning all his matches while donning a Superman suit, adding a touch of flair to his dominant display. His clash against rival John Mullins was a standout moment, overall securing four victories with an impressive total of 81 points.

Cang Snow exhibited formidable prowess, notably dominating against Phoebe Camilletti, ultimately clinching three wins with a commendable 65 points to his name. Camilletti displayed remarkable speed and efficiency, even wielding a Ren Saber to great effect despite her one-handed preference. Her victory over the former champion Tony Zaldua was a testament to her skill, and she secured three wins, accumulating 58 points.

Zaldua lived up to his reputation, employing trademark precision, agility, speed, and tactical acumen in his matches. His narrow victory over Snow in a tightly contested battle demonstrated his expertise, resulting in three wins and a total of 57 points. John Mullins showcased characteristic precision, earning three wins and accumulating a total of 55 points.

William Alonzo demonstrated a blend of high aggression and improved defensive capabilities, surprising opponents with his adeptness. His victories included an impressive defensive performance against Camilletti, securing two wins and a total of 39 points. Irving Corona secured one hard-fought victory, accumulating a total of 5 points.

Chad Goldberg faced initial challenges with safety rules but adapted admirably, ultimately earning a well-deserved victory and a total of 4 points. Preston Pomeroy, the sole committed Ren Saberist in the tournament, fought valiantly despite the incredible excess weight of his weapon, displaying commendable spirit.

Geoff displayed admirable agility and a knack for evading counterattacks, coming closest to defeating Goldberg. While he didn't secure a win, his performance was marked by determination and skill.

The pool stage showcased a range of talents and styles, with each fencer leaving their mark on the competition. Ultimately, everyone competitor was allowed to move into the bracket.

In the qualifiers, Preston Pomeroy faced off against Chad Goldberg in a tightly contested bout. While Pomeroy displayed impressive skill and determination, Goldberg ultimately secured the victory with superior speed and accuracy. The match concluded with Goldberg emerging victorious and moving into the quarter finals.

Irving Corona and Geoff McCalla clashed in the qualifiers, marking a significant milestone for McCalla as he secured his first win in Lightspeed Saber fencing. McCalla's persistence and adaptability paid off, leading to a well-deserved triumph.

Moving into the quarter-finals, Jose Ortiz-Miranda met Chad Goldberg in a high-stakes showdown. Ortiz-Miranda showcased his expertise, ultimately prevailing with a final score of 17-13, advancing him further in the competition. Meanwhile, John Mullins faced off against Tony Zaldua Jr. in a familiar matchup, with Zaldua Jr. emerging victorious with a final score of 10-17. Mullins, ever the dedicated competitor, continued to learn and grow from these encounters.

Phoebe Camilletti strategically swapped her Ren Saber for a Rey Saber in her quarter-final match against the aggressive Will Alonzo. This tactical move paid off, as Camilletti secured a hard-fought victory with a final score of 16-13, showcasing her adaptability and skill. In another quarter-final clash, Geoff McCalla faced a formidable opponent in Cang Snow, who emerged as the clear victor with a final score of 3-16.

The semi-finals brought intense matchups, with Tony Zaldua Jr. facing off against his teammate, Jose Ortiz-Miranda. Zaldua Jr. displayed his prowess, securing a convincing win with a final score of 7-16. Meanwhile, Phoebe Camilletti squared off against Cang Snow, delivering several surprise hits, including two bolts. Despite Camilletti's valiant efforts, Snow emerged victorious with a final score of 9-16.

This meant that Camilletti would fight Ortiz-Miranda for bronze.

The Bronze match between Phoebe Camilletti and Jose Ortiz-Miranda was a thrilling showcase of tactical brilliance and unwavering determination. Ortiz-Miranda kicked off the bout with a bold move, discarding his Dyad parrying saber after a tight initial exchange, leaving spectators curious about the strategic intent behind this maneuver. Undeterred, he relied on his signature traps and impeccably executed hook attacks, incorporating a flurry of well-timed deflectors to keep Camilletti at arm's length. Despite seemingly facing a range deficit, Ortiz-Miranda's calculated approach created an intriguing dynamic in the match.

Camilletti, on the other hand, approached the duel with a combination of speed, agility, and a keen eye for opportunities. Her adaptability and quick thinking allowed her to navigate Ortiz-Miranda's defensive maneuvers, avoid Ortiz-Miranda’s accurate and infamous hook attacks, and size openings and launch precise attacks. The fierce exchange of skills between these two talented fencers kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

In the end, it was Camilletti's unyielding resolve and strategic prowess that earned her the victory. With a final score of 16-11, she secured the bronze medal, showcasing not only her technical proficiency but also her ability to adapt and prevail in a challenging contest. The Bronze match was a testament to the remarkable talent and competitive spirit of both Camilletti and Ortiz-Miranda, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their electrifying performance.

The Grand Final between Tony Zaldua Jr. and Cang Snow was a tight battle from the start. The first half of the match played out in a tense, low-scoring fashion, with both fencers meticulously studying each other's moves, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

As the match progressed, Zaldua Jr. managed to secure a lead, a testament to his calculated approach and exceptional precision. It was at this point that Snow, recognizing the urgency of the situation, launched into a relentless offensive, seeking to claw back points. The intensity of the exchange reached its peak with Snow executing a powerful counterattack, showcasing his lightning-fast reflexes and keen tactical awareness. Snow climbed up the board, and managed to even the score briefly.

In a critical encounter, Snow randomly earned Priority and flunged forward, aiming for a decisive strike. However, a misstep proved costly, as Zaldua Jr. seized the opportunity, swiftly targeting Snow's hand for a clean two-points. This pushed Zaldua ahead closer to matchpoint.

With just seconds remaining on the clock and Zaldua Jr. maintaining a slim two-point lead, the tension was palpable. Snow made a lightning-quick move, bolting for a headshot that could have leveled the playing field. However, in a display of extraordinary agility and composure, Zaldua Jr. deftly dodged the attack and expertly picked off Snow's foot, securing the crucial match point.

In a Grand Final that had spectators on the edge of their seats, Tony Zaldua Jr. emerged as the victor, demonstrating not only his technical prowess but also his ability to maintain focus under pressure. With a final score of 24-20, Zaldua Jr.'s strategic brilliance and precise execution earned him the championship title in a match that will undoubtedly be remembered as a thrilling highlight of Lightspeed Saber fencing history.

This tournament marks the first time that a fencer fell from A and ultimately re-earned it, after almost a year of hard work and competition. This is also the second time in just a few months whereby a fencer came in as U and jumped straight to C (last month being Ryan McKenna). There is sure to be even greater highlights coming in the future as we await the next time we will see these Lightspeed Saber fencers again. Until then, MTFBWY!

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Cang Snow

(Written with AI assistance)