Ithaca, N.Y. — Four talented fencers from Cornell University will compete in the 2026 National Collegiate Women’s Fencing Championships, taking place at the University of Notre Dame from March 19 to 22. This event promises to bring some thrilling matches as 144 competitors from 26 schools face off.
Leading the team is senior Ketki Ketkar. She’s not new to this stage; this will be her third NCAA appearance. After earning bronze in 2024 and sixth place last year, she heads into the championships confident, backed by a strong record of 51 wins and 16 losses overall, plus an impressive 10-1 mark in Ivy League matches.
Joining her are juniors Isabela Carvalho and Samantha Marsee, both earning their second national bids. Marsee recently captured bronze at the Northeast Regional and carries an overall record of 32-20. Carvalho, with a record of 42-22, secured fourth place in the same regional competition. Both look to build on their experiences as they head into the national spotlight.
Freshman Lana Lee adds to the team’s strength in the foil category, sporting a solid record of 69-41.
The competition format will feature a round-robin for initial bouts, allowing the top four fencers in each category to advance to the semifinals. Points from these bouts will determine team standings, adding an extra layer of strategy.
Fans can catch live coverage of the semifinals and finals starting at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Highlights will also air on ESPNU at 5 p.m. ET on April 1.
This year’s championship is a continuation of a rich history in collegiate fencing. Did you know that fencing has its roots in swordsmanship dating back to the 14th century? It’s fascinating to see how a sport has evolved from training for battle to a competitive discipline celebrated at events like this one.
With incredible athletes and fierce competition, the 2026 National Collegiate Women’s Fencing Championships is poised to showcase the best of collegiate fencing. As the championships approach, interest is growing on social media. Fans are excited, sharing predictions and experiences from previous tournaments, making this event not just a competition but a community celebration of skill and sportsmanship.
For more information on NCAA fencing, check out the NCAA’s official site.
