PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania fencing programs will open the 2026-27 campaign this weekend, Oct. 24-25, visiting Temple's Nikki Franke Classic.
 
Nikki Franke Classic – Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 24

• 8:30 AM | Women's Épée
• 8:30 AM | Women's Foil
• 12:00 PM | Women's Saber

Sunday, October 25

• 8:30 AM | Men's Épée
• 8 :30 AM | Men's Foil
• 12:00 PM | Men's Saber

Live Results | Stream

Quaker Notemeal
Penn returns another stacked lineup to the strips this season, including all ten of the Quakers' NCAA qualifiers led by All-Americans Anthonio Heathcock, Simon Lioznyansky, Jaesun Yun, Grace Hu, Kimberley Jang, and Victoria Kuznetsov.
 
At the 2025 Nikki Franke Classic, a total of 12 Quakers – four women and eight men – earned spots on the podium. All four medalists return for the women this year, while the men return seven of their eight.
 
Grace Hu led the charge for the women with a gold medal performance in épée. Kimberley Jang also earned silver in foil while Lila Paul and Katherine Andres placed sixth and eight in Saber, respectively.
 
On the men's side, Antonio Heathcock took home the silver in foil. Nicholas Jin (épée), Conrad Lo (foil), Simon Lioznyansky (épée), and Jaesun Yun (saber) each earned bronze. Ben Serafin (eighth, épée), Alexander Wu (eighth, foil), and 2026 graduate Avery Townsend (sixth, épée) rounded out the Quakers who earned podium spots.
 
Senior Grace Hu will serve as captain of the women's team and squad leader in épée. Leah Blum (senior, saber) and Malak Hamza (junior, foil) with serve as squad leaders for their respective weapons
 
Senior Nick Wu was named captain of the men's team and will serve as squad leader in foil. Juniors Nick Jin and Antonio Heathcock will serve as squad leaders for épée and saber, respectively.
 
Both squads welcome five newcomers this season. Joining the women's roster is Kira Bardin, Sophie Cao, Allison Chen, Kayla Fang, and Kaitlyn Tan. Govind Ramanan, Jaisimh Ramanan, Nicolas Wang, Christian Woo, and Brendan Zankowski round out the men's roster.
 
About the Nikki Franke Classic
Formerly known as the Temple Open, the event was renamed in 2023 to the Nikki Franke Classic, honoring the legacy and impact of longtime Temple Fencing coach Dr. Nikki Franke.