For some Northwestern fencers, this weekend will be their last chance to unsheathe their swords in competition until the fall. But for others, the Midwest Regionals in Columbus, Ohio, are just another stop on the road to the NCAA Championships later this month at Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Saturday meet is the most important tournament of the year. The NCAA committee makes its selections based on the fencers’ regular-season records and their performance at the regionals — with more weight given to Saturday’s duels.

Each school this weekend can bring nine fencers, with a maximum of three from each weapon squad.

Emily Pasternak, NU’s winningest sabreist, takes her freshman campaign to the regionals with the hopes of qualifying for NCAAs.

“I’m nervous but I’m just going to be happy if I do well, but not disappointed if I don’t,” Pasternak said. “All the people I have fenced, I have beaten except Louise Bond-Williams (of Ohio State). If I can beat them again at this tournament, I’ll be good. I’m worried I’ll get too scared and then I won’t be able to.”

Though Pasternak is anxious, she said her nerves have yet to overcome her this season.

“It hasn’t really affected me because I haven’t had any goal in mind other than, ‘Win this bout,’ just because I want to win it,” Pasternak said. “But now I have to think further along, and I’m worried I’ll psyche myself out.”

Pasternak, foilist Julia FՀ