U.S. female fencing team, with Muhammad, gets a bronze in saber

Reporting from Rio de Janeiro â€”  The women of the U.S. saber squad had not been pleased by their performances in the individual competition at these 2016 Summer Games, but they broke through Saturday with Ibtihaj Muhammad becoming the first American in a hijab to step on the Olympic podium.

After the U.S. fell short of the medal rounds earlier in the week, veteran Mariel Zagunis predicted that, for the team event, “I think we’re all going to be really fired up.�

Zagunis was right as the U.S. defeated Italy, 45-30, to win bronze.

Russia won gold and Ukraine took silver.

The podium finish put a happy ending to one of the biggest stories in Rio de Janeiro — Muhammad becoming the first U.S. Olympian competing in the traditional headscarf worn by some Muslim women.

Muhammad had become the focus of media reports in recent months, speaking out, determined to break through the stereotypes surrounding women in her religion.

“We are just so blessed and thankful that we made it,� she said on Saturday. “I’ll never forget this moment ever.�

“I’m just really happy that we ended today on a win with a really great performance,� said Zagunis. “I’m glad we’re not going home empty-handed.�

Dagmara Wozniak and Monica Aksamit rounded out the U.S. team.

[email protected]

Follow David Wharton on Twitter @LATimesWharton