US skipper: 'We had to dig deep'

Last updated: 24th August 2009

Hosts USA dominated the singles to retain the Solheim Cup in emphatic fashion on day three at Rich Harvest Farm.

Having seen her European side put in a sterling effort in Saturday's paired events, captain Alison Nicholas had to watch her side comprehensively outclassed by the hosts in the final day singles, going down 8-4 on the day and 16-12 overall.

US skipper Beth Daniels didn't see it as an easy victory, however,

"Winning today is awesome, especially since it was such a hard-fought battle, " she said after the match.

"I mean, Alison had her team ready to play. I mean, we really had to dig deep, and it basically came down to the back nine.

I was on the 13th tee, the par-3, helping the players and the caddies with clubs, and that's where it started - literally started to turn around, and that's where it turned around yesterday, as well....in the afternoon for us.

"That was kind of our good-luck corner, and it was loud in that corner, too.

But I mean, they had to dig deep. They real had to dig deep to win this, and I'm so proud of each and every one of them. "

Morgan Pressel scored the decisive point on the 16th green after Sweden's Anna Nordqvist missed from eight feet, but there were winners throughout the card for Beth Daniels' team.

They established a position of complete dominance when the first three matches all yielded American wins - Paula Creamer, Angela Stanford and rookie superstar Michelle Wie getting the best of Suzann Pettersen, Becky Brewerton and Helen Alfredsson in their respective fixtures.

Wales' Brewerton was particularly off-colour, going down 5&4, with Stanford in irresistible form.

Asked if she knew she could clinch the Solheim Cup for the US when she putted to win the 14th, Pressel said" I was driving Beth nuts on the tee box to figure out what was going on, and she goes, "don't worry about it." I go, "but I want to know. What are they telling you in your ear?"

"I knew what was going on. I knew that we had the half point in Christina going dormie two matches in front of us, so I knew that winning that point on that hole specifically put us at 14 and a half points.

"It was exciting. It was awesome to have most of the team there cheering me on, so it was great. "

European talisman Laura Davies, who at 45 may be running out of chances to claim a first victory on US soil, halved her match with Brittany Lang to get Europe on the scoreboard, while Gwladys Nocera, with half against Juli Inkster, and Catriona Matthew, with a 3&2 win over Kristy McPherson, restored some tension.

Brittany Lincicome and Christina Kim added two more wins for the Team USA, Sophie Gustafson and Tania Elosegui being their defeated opponents before Pressel sealed victory in the 11th match.

Italy's Diana Luna added a sheen of respectability with a 3&2 defeat of Nicole Castrale, while Janice Moodie and Natalie Gulbis halved their encounter on the 18th.

After their heroics on the first two days when they matched the more highly ranked Americans point for point, going down by four was disappointing, but Alison Nicholas, the European captain, had high praise for her team, nevertheless.

She said:: It's been a fabulous week. I've thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this team. They've been absolutely fantastic.

"They've played their hearts out. Unfortunately the Americans birdied a few more holes than we did. But I can thank them for a great experience. They're a great bunch of girls. "

FINAL DAY SINGLES RESULTS
(US names first)

Match 17: Paula Creamer bt Suzann Pettersen 3 & 2

Match 18: Angela Stanford bt Becky Brewerton 5 & 4

Match 19: Michelle Wie bt Helen Alfredsson 1up

Match 20: Brittany Lang halved with Laura Davies

Match 21: Judi Inkster halved with Gwladys Nocera

Match 22: Kristie McPherson lost to Catriona Matthew 3&2

Match 23: Christina Kim bt Tanie Elosegui 2-up

Match 24: Brittany Lincicome bt Sophie Gustafsson 3&2

Match 25: Nicole Castrale lost to Diana Luna 3&2

Match 26: Cristie Kerr halved with Maria Hjorth

Match 27: Morgan Presselo bt Anna Nordquist 3&2

Match 28: Natalie Gulbis halved with Janice Moodie