Beijing, China (Sports Network) - The United States earned a fencing bronze medal Thursday in the women's team sabre competition at the Beijing Games.

The U.S. team's finish was disappointing after entering this event as favorites following a clean sweep of the individual sabre on Saturday.

The Americans faced off against the Ukranians in the semifinals with a berth in the gold medal match on the line, but were defeated, 45-39. They then notched a 45-38 victory over the French team in the bronze medal match.

On Saturday, Mariel Zagunis won the individual gold, her second straight in the event, defeating fellow American Sada Jacobson. Becca Ward then took the bronze by defeating Russia's Sofiya Velikaya.

08/14 07:11:19 ET