The United States ended a seven-year Solheim Cup drought with a narrow 15½-12½ victory over Europe in Virginia. World number two Lilia Vu delivered the decisive moment, sinking a short birdie putt on the 18th to secure a half-point against Albane Valenzuela. This came after Europe’s determined challenge in a thrilling finale.
“It could have gone either way,” said US captain Stacy Lewis. “It’s amazing how often these things come down to half a point.”
Europe’s captain, Suzann Pettersen, praised her team’s fight, stating, “We gave them a run for their money, and we’ll come back hungry.”
The US built their lead on Friday, winning both sessions 3-1 to open a 6-2 advantage. They held strong on Saturday, maintaining a 10-6 lead into Sunday. Europe, inspired by memories of their Ryder Cup comeback in 2012, nearly pulled off a miracle, but the US held their ground in the final singles matches.
Charley Hull and Georgia Hall led Europe’s charge with dominant wins, while Megan Khang’s 6&5 victory over Emily Pedersen boosted the US to 11-8. Allisen Corpuz and Rose Zhang added two more points, bringing the US closer to victory.
As the scoreboard filled with European blue, tensions rose. Key moments, like Andrea Lee salvaging a half-point against Esther Henseleit and Sarah Schmelzel’s level finish with Madelene Sagstrom, kept the US in contention.
In the end, Vu’s birdie sealed the US triumph, though Europe fought until the final moments, with Sagstrom and Kupcho finishing the remaining matches. Despite Europe’s valiant effort, the US reclaimed the Solheim Cup on home soil.
