University of North Carolina Athletics
Saturday, October 25
Philadelphia, PA
8:00 A.M. EST
North Carolina
vs
Nikki Franke Classic
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Tar Heels Set To Compete At Nikki Franke Classic
October 22, 2025 | Fencing
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina fencing is on the road this weekend for its second competition of the 2025- 26 season at the Nikki Franke Classic.
The tournament is hosted by Temple University. Competition begins at 8 a.m. each day, October 25-26. Named for Dr. Nikki Franke, the Classic honors Temple's longtime head coach who retired in 2022. Celebrating her career and role in founding the Owls' fencing program in 1972, the event brings together some of the top collegiate fencing programs in the country for two days of elite competition. Fans can follow along with live stats on FencingTime Live. Some of the tournament can be watched on Temple's YouTube page.
Several Tar Heels are coming off standout results from the North American Cup hosted October 3-6 in Salt Lake City. Freshman Dagny Johnson placed 26th in Division I women's saber, while fellow first-year Vasko Antanassov impressed with a tie for third in junior men's saber.Â
Head coach Matt Jednak's squad will look to replicate last season's success at the Nikki Franke Classic, where the Tar Heels posted multiple top-ten finishes. Current senior Nicole Milewski captured gold in women's epee, and alumna Sophia Kovacs took the top spot in women's saber. John Lin, now a junior, earned an impressive third-place finish in men's saber.Â
With a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent, the Tar Heels go into the weekend eager to continue their winning tradition in Philadelphia and set the tone for a competitive season ahead.
Following the Classic, UNC fencing's season continues with a home dual against Duke on November 1, closely followed by the Elite Duals at Ohio State from November 8-9.
The tournament is hosted by Temple University. Competition begins at 8 a.m. each day, October 25-26. Named for Dr. Nikki Franke, the Classic honors Temple's longtime head coach who retired in 2022. Celebrating her career and role in founding the Owls' fencing program in 1972, the event brings together some of the top collegiate fencing programs in the country for two days of elite competition. Fans can follow along with live stats on FencingTime Live. Some of the tournament can be watched on Temple's YouTube page.
Several Tar Heels are coming off standout results from the North American Cup hosted October 3-6 in Salt Lake City. Freshman Dagny Johnson placed 26th in Division I women's saber, while fellow first-year Vasko Antanassov impressed with a tie for third in junior men's saber.Â
Head coach Matt Jednak's squad will look to replicate last season's success at the Nikki Franke Classic, where the Tar Heels posted multiple top-ten finishes. Current senior Nicole Milewski captured gold in women's epee, and alumna Sophia Kovacs took the top spot in women's saber. John Lin, now a junior, earned an impressive third-place finish in men's saber.Â
With a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent, the Tar Heels go into the weekend eager to continue their winning tradition in Philadelphia and set the tone for a competitive season ahead.
Following the Classic, UNC fencing's season continues with a home dual against Duke on November 1, closely followed by the Elite Duals at Ohio State from November 8-9.
Players Mentioned
Sabre
/ Fencing
Sabre
/ Fencing
Sabre/Right Hand
/ Fencing
Epee
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