For the second time in three years, both the boys and girls fencing teams from South High School are Long Island Champions. 

The Rebels championship run started on Tuesday, Feb. 10, when the boys and girls teams defeated their opponents at the Nassau County Championships. This marked the seventh County title in eight years for the girls fencing team led by coach Catie Sagevick, and the fifth title in eight years for the boys fencing team led by coach Joshua Baravarian.

After winning the Nassau County Championships, the South High boys and girls fencing teams returned to the strip on Thursday, Feb. 12 with one goal — completing their perfect season at the Long Island Championships.

Both squads rose to the moment and delivered when it mattered most. In commanding fashion, the girls defeated Ward Melville, and the boys overcame Commack to once again secure the Long Island titles.

Senior leaders Justina Hom, Ashley Nguyen, and Annabelle Qi set the tone with outstanding performances for the girls team. On the boys side, Brenden Chen, Casper Wang, and freshman standout Ryan Zhao sealed the victory with clutch bouts down the stretch.

South High was the first school in Long Island history to win both the girls and boys fencing titles in 2024—and they proudly recaptured their Long Island Championship titles in 2026.

An incredible season, a complete team effort, and another championship added to the Rebels Fencing program’s legacy. Congratulations to our Long Island Champions, led by Coach Baravarian and Coach Sagevick!