Northwestern’s fencers will have to do some extra thinking Saturday in New York.

And in the city that never sleeps, it won’t be easy.

The Wildcats (26-2) will have to be mentally prepared for their bouts in the Columbia Duals against East Coast foes No. 5 Columbia-Barnard, No. 6 Yale and Brown.

All three pose an aggressive challenge for No. 4 NU, which, coaches said, is sometimes preoccupied with defense.

“Some of our fencers fence with a fear of consequences,” assistant coach Ed Kaihatsu said. “Even when they’re on the offense, they’re trying to hit someone without getting hit. In some weapons it’s OK to get hit if you finish your attack.”

Fencing without fear is the key to helping the Cats win the close bouts, where mental toughness is essential.

But in addition to thinking aggressively, NU will have to adopt a quick-start mentality.

Unlike the large meets – most with eight or more teams – that the Cats are used to, they will see only three squads this weekend. While the thin schedule allows for more sightseeing, it also makes each match more important.

“We have to get up for it and get hot right away,” Kaihatsu said.

Making matters more difficult for NU at this weekend’s event will be the absence of top