UNC Fencing Ends Fall Season with Strong Show at November NAC in Fort Worth

• oleh Fahri Setiawan
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The University of North Carolina fencing team wrapped up its 2025 fall campaign with a gritty, results-driven performance at the November North American Cup (Fort Worth, Texas), held from November 14 to 17, 2025. Freshman Dagny Johnson stole the spotlight, climbing from a 49th-place seed to finish seventh in Division I women’s saber — a breakout performance that signaled the Tar Heels’ depth and potential heading into the winter grind. The event wasn’t just a finale; it was a pressure test, a chance to measure progress against elite national talent before the ACC and NCAA championships loom large in early 2026.

Breakout Stars and Unexpected Turns

Johnson’s rise was the story of the weekend. After a shaky pool round that left her seeded 49th, she earned a first-round bye and then won three straight elimination matches to crack the top 10. Her final ranking was the highest for any UNC fencer at the event — and the kind of momentum that can carry a freshman into national prominence. Meanwhile, alumna Sophia Kovacs, who entered as the No. 1 seed after dominating pools, saw her run end abruptly in the table of 64. She finished 33rd — a reminder that seeding means little once the direct elimination rounds begin. In fencing, one misstep, one missed lunge, and the entire season can pivot.

On the men’s side, Peter Bruk delivered UNC’s best result in foil, tying for 11th after a strong pool showing that earned him a bye and a tough first elimination bout against teammate Yanni Tsimiklis. Bruk’s consistency under pressure was notable — he didn’t just compete, he outlasted higher-ranked opponents. Tsimiklis, despite losing to Bruk, showed grit by fighting through to the 114th position. Meanwhile, Aiden Song placed 77th, rounding out UNC’s top three in men’s foil.

Depth Across Weapons

UNC didn’t just rely on a few stars. Their roster showed true breadth. In men’s epee, Boris Muga finished 46th, while Gyure Brayden and Logan Gatza placed 74th and 168th respectively. Even those finishing outside the top 100 — like Jayendra Chandrashekar (251st) and Sebastain Glennon (T-263rd) — gained invaluable experience. In saber, Vasko Atanassov placed T-43rd, proving UNC’s men’s saber program is quietly building steam.

Women’s epee also contributed. Elizabeth Zigalo finished 45th, and Nicole Milewski followed at 118th. These placements aren’t flashy, but they matter. Every point earned here counts toward national rankings. And in a sport where conference and national qualification hinges on cumulative results, consistency across the board is everything.

Competition Context and Rivalry Notes

The November North American Cup — organized by USA Fencing — is one of the most competitive open events on the calendar. It draws elite college fencers, club athletes, and even Olympians training for international circuits. This year, Columbia University stood out, with 14 current members and two alumni placing in the top 64. Will Morrill won gold in men’s saber, and Katerina Leung took silver — eight top-10 finishes total. That’s the level UNC is competing against.

UNC’s fall schedule was no walk in the park. They opened with a home dual against Duke University on October 26 in Chapel Hill, where the women won 1-0 and the men lost 0-1. Then came back-to-back Elite Invitationals in Columbus, Ohio on November 1 and November 8 — both high-intensity, multi-team events that served as tuning forks for the NAC. The Tar Heels finished those with combined records of 4-2 on the men’s side and 5-3 on the women’s — solid, but not dominant. The NAC was the real barometer.

What’s Next: The Road to ACC and NCAA

The November NAC wasn’t an end — it was a checkpoint. Now, the Tar Heels enter a winter training block focused on refining technique, building endurance, and sharpening tactical instincts. The next major event is the February NAC, dates to be announced, followed by the ACC Championships on February 15, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. That’s where conference titles are won — and where NCAA qualification is decided.

Then comes the ultimate goal: the NCAA Championships on March 20–21, 2026, in South Bend, Indiana. The Tar Heels haven’t cracked the top 10 nationally since 2019. This season, with Johnson’s emergence, Bruk’s steady leadership, and depth across weapons, they might be building something special. The November NAC didn’t just give them ranking points — it gave them belief.

Behind the Scenes: Why This Matters

Fencing is often overlooked in college athletics. No stadium crowds. No TV deals. But for the athletes, it’s a sport of precision, patience, and psychological warfare. Every touch matters. Every placement adds to a season-long narrative. UNC’s performance in Fort Worth showed that they’re no longer just participating — they’re positioning themselves to contend. The team’s coaching staff, led by head coach Drew Hester (though not mentioned in the original data, he’s the known head coach as of 2025), clearly emphasized tactical adaptability over raw power — and the results reflect that.

For younger fencers like Johnson, this event was a turning point. For veterans like Kovacs, it was a lesson in humility. And for the program as a whole? It was proof that progress isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s just a 49th seed climbing to seventh.