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So close

Germany edges U.S. women for bronze

Germany's women's foil team defeated the U.S. 45-42 for the bronze medal. Jacques Demarthon/AFP

SYDNEY, Australia (CNNSI.com) -- The United States' attempt for a first women's fencing medal was lost when Germany won the bronze in the team foil competition with a 45-42 victory Saturday against the Americans.

World champion Italy defeated Poland 45-36 to win the gold medal.

The Germans were awarded the final point when American Ann Marsh was penalized for covering her target on the last touch by Germany's Rita Koenig.

"That penalty is not what caused us to lose," Marsh said. "The referees do call the bouts closer in the finals -- everyone knows that. I'm not going to be a bad sport and say that's why we lost."

Sisters Iris and Felicia Zimmerman, along with Marsh, upset Hungary in the quarterfinals Saturday morning to earn the United States its first medal-round appearance.

"I'm upset, and that's a good thing," Felicia Zimmerman said. "United States fencing has come a long way. We need to keep getting better and better."

The fifth-seeded Americans came from 10 touches down to beat Hungary, the fourth seed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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