U.S. women fencers to play for bronze

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BEIJING -- The U.S. lost to Ukraine, 45-39, in the women’s team saber fencing semifinal Thursday.

The American trio of Sada Jacobson (Dunwoody, Ga.), Mariel Zagunis (Beaverton, Ore.) and Becca Ward (Portland, Ore.) will play in the bronze medal match later Thursday.

The loss is the first in either team or individual matches in 2008 Olympic competition for Zagunis, who won the individual fencing gold on Sunday.

-- Debbie Goffa

United States fencers Mariel Zagunis, left, Becca Ward, and Sada Jacobson watch during the women’s team saber semifinal against the Ukraine at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Photo credit AP Photo/Luca Bruno