As the Duke fencing team gears up for the 2026 NCAA Fencing Championships in South Bend, Indiana, excitement is building for a weekend packed with skill, strategy, and some serious swordplay at the Joyce Center from March 19-22.
Who to Watch:
Duke's roster is brimming with talent, featuring sophomore Lev Ermakov on sabre, junior Charlotte Koenig wielding the foil, and sophomore Owen Li also taking on the foil. Graduate student Yeva Mazur will showcase her prowess in epee, while juniors Natalie Olsen (sabre) and Sophia Shen (foil) add depth to the lineup. Freshmen Zachary Shoman (sabre) and Abdelrahman Tolba (foil) are set to make their championship debuts, eager to make their mark.
The Schedule:
The women kick off the action on March 19-20. Thursday sees epee and sabre fencers taking the strip at 9 a.m., with foil bouts following at 11 a.m. The intensity ramps up on Friday with semifinals and championship bouts starting at 1:30 p.m.
The men take center stage on March 21-22. Saturday's schedule mirrors the women's, with epee and sabre starting at 9 a.m., and foil at 11 a.m. The final showdown for the men begins Sunday at 1:30 p.m. with semifinal and championship bouts.
The Format:
Fencers will compete in a round-robin format, engaging in five-touch bouts. The top four finishers in each weapon advance to the semifinals, where 15-touch bouts determine who fences for gold. Those who don't advance will tie for third place, ensuring every point counts.
Scoring System:
Each victory by a Duke fencer contributes to the team’s overall score, with one point awarded per win. It's a system that emphasizes both individual brilliance and team strategy, making every bout crucial.
As Duke's fencers prepare to cross blades with the nation's best, they'll be looking to combine their individual skills with team tactics to climb the championship ranks. With a mix of seasoned competitors and fresh talent, Duke is poised to make a significant impact in South Bend.