The 32nd running of the amateur match-play event, the women's equivalent of the Walker Cup, takes place in Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh on Saturday and Sunday.

Non-playing skipper Benka, who played in the tournament in 1996 and 1998 leads a team of six debutants.

GB & Ireland's most experienced player is Rebecca Hudson, 23, who will line up for her third straight time, while Emma Duggleby, 31, also played in 2000.

The United States, who won the bi-annual event 10-8 at Ganton Golf Club in England in 2000, feature seven rookies in their squad.

Only Cup veteran Carol Semple Thompson and captain Mary Budke have played in the event before.

Thompson, 53, the US women's senior amateur champion, will be teeing off in a record 12th Curtis Cup, stretching back to 1974, the year Budke made her only appearance.

The US team, with seven players of 22 or under, also includes US amateur champion Meredith Duncan in one of her last amateur outings before she attends Tour school.

The event will consist of three foursomes matches and six singles matches each day.

GB & Ireland last won the Cup in 1996 in Killarney, Ireland.

The United States have won the title 22 times, GB & I have won six and there have been three drawn matches.

The 2004 Curtis Cup will be played at the Formby Golf Club in Merseyside, England.