En guard! Fencing team secures third win, soccer team thrills
Immaculate Heart High School scored big this past season with its fencing and soccer teams.
The school’s fencing team continued its remarkable run at the recent state championships, held at Chaminade High School in West Hills, earning its third consecutive Women’s Foil State Championship title and finishing as Overall State Runner-Up.
Following a strong regular season, IH qualified both its foil and épée squads for the championship, with top individual performers advancing to represent the Pandas at the state level.
IH VARSITY SOCCER team’s freshman goalie, Rio Belknap lifts the CIF championship plaque in celebration.
SENIORS Rosie Lay (left) and Grace Suarez will continue their fencing careers at the collegiate levels.
Senior Rosie Lay, of Larchmont Village, led the way with an outstanding performance, capturing third place in Women’s Foil and placing seventh in Épée. In Women’s Foil, Shandi De Padua finished 13th and senior Grace Suarez placed 16th. In Épée, Jacqueline Khatchadourian earned 20th place and Grace Riley finished 30th, contributing to a competitive overall showing.
“This team has demonstrated extraordinary focus and determination all season long,” said Athletic Director Kevin Cadenas. “Winning a third consecutive state championship in Women’s Foil while also earning overall runner-up honors says a lot about their commitment and competitive excellence.”
With many first-year fencers on the roster, the team’s success reflects both depth and strong senior leadership. Lay and Suarez played a pivotal role in mentoring their teammates throughout the season.
Cadenas also acknowledged the impact of the program’s coaching. “We are incredibly grateful to Coach Carla Corbit of the Beverly Hills Fencers Club for her dedication and expertise. She has helped cultivate not only skilled competitors, but confident young women.”
Both seniors will continue their fencing careers at the collegiate level. Lay will join Brandeis University’s NCAA Women’s Foil and Épée team, while Suarez will fence for the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Tigers.
Immaculate Heart celebrates the achievements of its middle and high school fencing teams and looks ahead to continued success.
SENIOR Rosie Lay and sophomore Shandi De Padua.
Soccer team lands thrilling victory
Meanwhile the IH Varsity Girls’ Soccer team claimed the CIF Southern Section District 4 Championship with a thrilling victory over San Jacinto High School.
The championship match took place Feb. 28 on the IH Pandas’ home pitch at Sartoris Field in Glendale. In a hard-fought battle, the teams remained locked at 0–0 through regulation time, followed by two intense overtime periods.
The Pandas ultimately prevailed in a dramatic penalty kick shootout, earning a 5–4 victory. Freshman goalkeeper Rio Belknap delivered a standout performance, tending the net with a tenacity that sealed the victory.
“This entire team has shown extraordinary grit, unity, and belief in one another all season long,” said Coach and Athletic Director Kevin Cadenas. “To see them stay composed through two overtimes and then deliver under the pressure of penalty kicks speaks volumes about their character. I could not be prouder of this team and the heart they bring to our program every single day.”
Assistant Coach Vanessa Rivas echoed that thought. “What makes this team so special is their commitment to one another,” she said. “Every player understands her role and plays for the good of the whole. This championship is the culmination of lots of hard work. I am honored to coach such a determined group of athletes.”
“I’m also proud of our IH fan base,” added Coach Cadenas. “The Panda community, including current students and families as well as alumnae, really showed up in a huge way to support this team.”
This victory marks a historic milestone for the school, clinching its first CIF championship title and signaling the strength of its athletics program.
Category: People
