University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Junior Olympics
Women’s Epee Closes Out Junior Olympics On A High Note
January 12, 2026 | Fencing
KANSAS CITY, KAN- The women's epee squad had a great showing, especially Mia Smotritsky, who had one of her best non-NCAA performances on Sunday, Jan 12. Smotritsky won four straight bouts in the direct elimination portion, including three upset wins over higher-ranked fencers, and took 16th, her best finish since the North American Cup last January.
Elizabeth Ziaglo and Kaitlyn Zanga had perfect 6-0 performances in the pool portion of the Junior Women's Epee event as both freshmen earned top ten seeds. Ziaglo was tied for third while Zanga entered DEs as the ninth seed. Ziaglo won two bouts by at least four points. Zanga won her first bout after the B.Y.E. by five.
Peter Bruk was part of the Junior Team Men's foil event on Saturday. Bruk fenced on the "Blue Team," which was the No. 1 team heading into the competition. Bruk's team beat their first three opponents after the B.Y.E. by 17 points to earn a bid to the finals against "Unseasoned Vets." The team dropped the finals 45-43.
Sunday's Results
Junior Women's Epee
16. Mia Smotritsky
17. Kaitlyn Zanga
34. Elizabeth Ziaglo
