LA JOLLA, Calif. -- The University of the Incarnate Word men's and women's fencing teams are set to begin the 2026-27 campaign on Friday, with several key contributors from a season ago set to return.

The Cardinals head to La Jolla, Calif. to open the season at the West Invitationals, which will be hosted by the University of California San Diego on Saturday and Sunday.

Long-time head coach John Moreau has had at least one national qualifier in every year of his tenure and is optimistic that streak will continue, especially with two qualifiers returning from a season ago.

"We do have chances," he said of his fencer's national prospects. "We do have people that are capable. It all depends on how you compete."

MEN'S TEAM

FOIL: Davis Dore, Luke McKinley, Manny Sanchez, Chance Johnson

EPEE: Jayden Breton, Bryce Thayer, Sanchez, Zeph Yang

SABRE: Christian Dudnick, Adham Shalaby, Yassin Khodir

OUTLOOK: Khodir and Shalaby headline the returners, as both qualified for the 2026 NCAA Fencing Championships in Sabre. Khodir, a 2025 All-American, had six wins to place 21st a season ago while Shalaby won three to place 24th. The pair accounted for two of the Cardinals' All-Region finishes, the other going to Zeph Yang in epee. 

WOMEN'S TEAM

FOIL: Jenna Baly, Shelby Johnson, Valentina Iniguez, Itzayana Iniguez

EPEE: Mia DaSilva, Gracyn Githens, Liana Vasyakin

OUTLOOK: The women's squad brings back two athletes honored by the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation in Githens and Baly. Githens was a Second-Team All-Region honoree in epee, while Baly made the MPSF Second Team in foil.