The finalist bracket had settled by the time Ivy woke the next morning, and the name waiting across from hers on the printed sheet Coach Orlova slid across the hotel breakfast table sent a fresh jolt of adrenaline through her exhausted body.
FINAL — SABER, JUNIOR DIVISION
I. Sokolova (Kingsley Academy) vs. R. Volkov-Adjacent Bracket — DEFENDING CHAMPION E. Marchetti-Kessler (Ashford Prep National Academy)
"Ella Marchetti-Kessler," Coach Orlova said, watching Ivy's face carefully as she absorbed the name. "Defending national champion. Ashford Prep's top recruit, trains with a private coach year-round, hasn't lost a national-level bout in nearly two years."
Ivy's stomach dropped. "Kessler. Same last name as—"
"Her father's a partner at the same firm representing Nikolai Volkov, yes." Co
