American fencers won the Olympic women’s team foil gold for the first time on Thursday, outduelling four-times champions Italy 45-39. The US, not previously known as a fencing powerhouse, were aided by solid showings from Paris individual gold medallist Lee Kiefer and silver medallist Lauren Scruggs in the team bout. The triumph at the famous Grand Palais propelled the US to the top of the fencing medals table after nine of 12 competitions. Japan earlier edged Canada 33-32 in the bronze medal match in the latest close finish at the Paris fencing.