The Notre Dame fencing team returns to collegiate action this weekend to travel to the Philadelphia Invitational on Saturday before competing at the St. John’s Invitational on Sunday. This will be the Irish’s first strictly-collegiate meet since the triumph at the Elite Invitational hosted by Ohio State in November.
Notre Dame will be led by reigning national champions senior Eszter Muhari and sophomore Magda Skarbonkiewicz. Muhari has been near untouchable in épée through her first three years at Notre Dame. The 2024 Olympic Bronze medalist posted a 23-1 record last season, ultimately recording herself as one of the most prolific individuals in collegiate fencing history.
In sabre, Skarbonkiewicz has been no less bounteous. In her first year with the Irish, Skarbonkiewicz’s fierce style of play paved the way for her national triumph. Now a sophomore, her early experience in the national spotlight is destined to serve her well.
It’s very likely that Skarbonkiewicz’s main competition nationally will come from teammate, sophomore Siobhan Sullivan. A former high school club teammate of Skarbonkiewicz, Sullivan earned First Team All-American honors in her freshman year and finished the season 25-2.
In foil, sophomore Stavrina Garyfallou is set for a breakout season. After finishing 41-18 last year, Garyfallou went 6-0 at Ohio State. Sophomore Emma Griffin is also set to make waves. A versatile fencer, Griffin brings a high IQ to the strip. Gallyfallou and Griffin will be paced by senior Ariadna Tucker, who finished 13th at NCAA’s a season ago.
On the men’s side, Notre Dame is hoping to emulate their past successes. Junior foil specialist Chase Emmer won the individual national championship last season. Emmer is primed to be a leading figure in head coach Gia Kvaratskhelia’s surge for another national championship. Sophomore Liam Bas will serve as another important piece alongside him. Bas won the ACC individual championship in his freshman year.
Junior sabre specialist Radu Nitu also took home gold at ACC’s last season. Nitu’s 6-foot-4 frame makes him a tough target.
Although Notre Dame’s schedule for either meet has yet to be released publicly, NYU, Yale and Ohio State will be at the Philadelphia Invitational.
One thing is for certain, however: Kvaratskhelia will have his team ready. Fresh off his sixth national championship as head coach, Kvaratskhelia has become a legend of the sport and has instilled an elite culture within the program. At the ACC Championships last year, Notre Dame fencers not competing on the strip were seen emphatically cheering their teammates on.
Kvaratskhelia has also guided Notre Dame fencers to new heights. He was instrumental in the development of foil specialist Lee Kiefer, who has since gone on to win three Olympic gold medals. Kiefer’s four individual national championships stands alone as the most of any Notre Dame fencer. Men’s sabre specialist Luke Linder isn’t far behind, racking up three across his time under Kvartskhelia’s guidance. The weekend offers Notre Dame fencers an opportunity to start their journey as the new all-time great to come from Kvartskhelia’s mentorship.
The Irish will return home the following weekend to host the Michael DeCicco Duals. From there, it’s full steam ahead as the Irish continue the quest for a fifteenth national championship.