As the Duke fencing team gears up for the postseason, excitement fills the air at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The 2026 ACC Championships are set to kick off this weekend, marking a pivotal moment for the Blue Devils.
Championship Schedule:
The action begins bright and early on Saturday with the men's individual competition at 8 a.m., followed by the women's team competition at 1:30 p.m. Sunday mirrors the schedule with the women's individual championships starting at 8 a.m. and the men's team competition at 1:30 p.m.
Fans can catch all the thrilling semifinals and championship bouts live on ACCNX. Individual events get underway at 11:30 a.m., with team competitions streaming from 2:45 p.m.
Team Rankings and Competition:
This year's conference meet is a showcase of top talent, featuring nine teams ranked in the USFCA Coaches Poll. On the men's side, all five ACC teams are ranked, led by No.
1 Notre Dame, with Duke sitting at No. 8.
Boston College, Stanford, and North Carolina round out the competitive field.
The women's competition is equally fierce, with Notre Dame at No. 2 and Duke at No. 5. Stanford and North Carolina are also in the mix, promising a weekend of intense bouts.
Duke's Quest for Improvement:
The Blue Devils are eager to build on last year's performances. The Duke women finished as runners-up in 2025, while the men tied for third. Individually, Kunling Tong and Allen Marakov made their mark with silver and bronze medals, respectively, and Lev Ermakov's fourth-place finish added to the team's accolades.
Recent Performances:
In their final preparation before the championships, the Duke men's team found their rhythm at the Beguinet Classic, securing three consecutive victories. Lin led the charge with 10 wins, supported by strong performances from Owen Li and Boroditsky.
The Duke women ended their regular season on a high note at the Miller Invitational, finishing 4-1. Shen and Koo were instrumental, tallying eight and seven wins, respectively.
As the Blue Devils take to the strip this weekend, they aim to turn their hard work and preparation into championship success. With the home crowd behind them, the stage is set for an unforgettable ACC Championships.