The OSU men’s and women’s fencing team qualified three individuals to compete in the NCAA tournament. The Buckeyes competed in the NCAA Regionals in Evanston, Ill., last week to find out who would compete in the big dance. Yelena Kalkina and Patricia Szelle qualified in the foil competition, and Geoff Kane qualified in the epee competition. In last week’s tournament, the Bucks dominated the women’s foil competition, capturing three of the top four spots. Kalkina finished first, followed by Szelle and Fayne Groes, who finished third and fourth respectively. Kane led the men’s squad, finishing second in the epee competition.Fencers qualify for the national tournament based 60 percent on how they finished in the regional tournament, and 40 percent based on their record during the regular season, Buckeyes coach Charlotte Remenyik said. Remenyik said she thinks the women fencers will have a strong showing in the national tournament. “I’m sure both girls will be at the top of the competition.” Kalkina, who won the national title in the foil competition last year, is looking to defend her title. But, Remenyik said the field is much tougher this year. “There are a lot of really good fencers that will give her some tough competition,” she said. “I’m sure she’ll do very well.”Szelle should also perform well, Remenyik said. “It is Patricia’s last year, she is working very hard, and I’m sure she’ll give it all she has.”Remenyik said she was a little hesitant about how Kane would perform in the tournament. “Geoff has performed very well this year, the only problem is that he hasn’t seen all the field,” Remenyik said. Kane hasn’t faced much competition outside the Midwest division, she said.The Bucks will not have much time to prepare for nationals. The NCAA tournament will take place in South Bend at Notre Dame March 19-22.