The Penn State men's and women's fencing teams are returning to the White Building this weekend for their first home competition since early November.

The Nittany Lions will compete against Duke, Drew, Haverford, Penn, St. Johns, UNC and Ohio State. The event will begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Though it is only the second meet of the season, this competition is especially important because it will be crucial in deciding which fencers qualify for the regional competition as well as the NCAA Championship.

Junior two-time-All-America saber fencer Franz Boghicev said this will be his first meet of the season, and he is looking to secure a spot in the regional competition.

"For some, it's sure they'll make it [to regionals]," Boghicev said about the competition this weekend. "For others, they have to show it."

He said less experienced fencers have an opportunity to demonstrate that they "have quality," and are capable of moving to higher levels of competition.

Senior foil fencer Tami Najm said this meet is "big" because, not only is it her first home meet, but the grueling one-day competition will be a 12-hour affair involving seven schools.

Najm returned in January to rejoin her team after being in New York last semester for an internship. Despite continued training at the New York Fencer's Club last semester, Najm is concerned about the length of the rigorous day and about the team's endurance.

"We have to keep up momentum throughout," she said. "We can't afford to fence the first three schools well and lose against the next four schools."

She also said this competition will be a good indicator of the team's ability to maintain strength throughout the day.

After this weekend, the fencers will have an idea of what the NCAA championships will require in terms of length and stamina since both meets are physically demanding.

Despite this season's challenges, Boghicev and Najm believe this season is the team's best shot at the national title.

"I feel pretty good about it. We have top athletes, we have a balanced team and I think everyone is motivated because last year we finished second," Boghicev said.

This will also be the last season for many graduating seniors to take the top spot, instead of No. 2.

"I think we have a really good chance," Najm said. "Coming back, I see the difference from last year. People are a lot more serious, practices are run differently, and new freshmen are very intent on doing well and are serious about the sport, so it adds a good vibe to the team."

Najm added that the team has "good chemistry" and the fencers are working harder to stay in shape as well as keep up with skills.

She said, as a team, the fencers need to stick together and support each other this weekend as the day gets tougher.

"It's important to keep each other motivated, focused and hydrated," she said. "I want to fence my strongest throughout the day, no excuses."

Najm said the schools this weekend will not be especially challenging, but if the team loses its focus, even the weaker schools can pose big threats.