Lilia Vu Clinches Solheim Cup for U.S. in Thrilling Victory

Lilia Vu secured the Solheim Cup for the United States in Gainesville, Virginia. Her match against Europe's Albane Valenzuela earned the half point needed to reclaim the trophy. The U.S. team achieved their first win since 2017, breaking Europe’s winning streak.

Lilia Vu secured the Solheim Cup for the United States on Sunday in Gainesville, Virginia, clinching half a point in her match against Europe's Albane Valenzuela. This took the hosts to the 14-1/2 target they needed to regain the trophy.

The U.S. needed 4-1/2 points from the 12 singles matches. Wins for Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, Allisen Corpuz, and a half-point each from Andrea Lee and Lauren Coughlin set the stage for Vu's clinching moment. Vu trailed Valenzuela with two holes to play as Europe mounted a fierce charge on the final day, but she capped her round with a pair of birdies, including a crucial tap-in on the last hole.

This victory marked the Americans' first win in the biennial match-play competition since 2017, denying Europe a historic fourth consecutive win. The U.S. now leads the overall Solheim Cup series 11-7-1, with the one tie coming last year in Spain.

(With inputs from agencies.)