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Staring at a likely 3-1 deficit after the foursomes, Europe turned the tide and ended up leading 3-1 instead.

America claimed two convincing wins in the afternoon fourballs but Europe also picked up two points for 2-2.

England's Laura Davies and Sweden's Annika Sorenstam won twice as Europe chase a first win on American soil.

Europe captain Catrin Nilsmark was delighted after her team took a first day lead.

"Any time you are in front is a great day," said Nilsmark, as Europe began their defence of the title.

"It was a fantastic team effort, but even when we were down in three of the foursomes I knew anything can happen on the back nine."

Davies, 41, combined with Sweden's Maria Hjorth to capture Europe's first point with a 2&1 win over Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis in the foursomes.

She then teamed up with Norway's Suzann Pettersen to clinch another point in the fourballs, beating American rookie Paula Creamer, 19, and the experienced Juli Inkster 4&3.

Davies, the only player to compete in all nine Solheim matches, was six under par for the 15 holes.

Sorenstam and Pettersen came from four down with six to play to win their foursomes match one up, winning five of the last six holes against Michele Redman and the pregnant Laura Diaz.

Sorenstam and Pettersen came from four down to win their foursomes

World number one Sorenstam and Scotland's Catriona Matthew then clawed their way back from two down after eight to beat Pat Hurst and Wendy Ward 2&1.

Europe's foursomes fightback was completed when the other two matches were halved after both pairs trailed by at least two holes at one stage.

Swede Carin Koch and Matthew came from two down with four to play to escape with a priceless half point against America's oldest and youngest players - Daniel, 48, and Creamer.

Meanwhile, England's Trish Johnson and Swede Sophie Gustafson were three down on the 15th tee before halving with Christina Kim and Pat Hurst.

America narrowed the gap with first blood in the fourballs as veterans Rosie Jones and Meg Mallon won 3&2 against Hjorth and Dane Iben Tinning, who is pregnant with twins.

Jones, 45, who is set to retire at the end of the season, fired six birdies in 10 holes.

Kerr and Gulbis added America's second fourball point with a 2&1 win over Sweden's Sophie Gustafson and English rookie Karen Stupples.

American captain Nancy Lopez played all 12 of her team but European counterpart Catrin Nilsmark must play French rookies Ludivine Kreutz and Gwladys Nocera before Sunday's singles.

Lopez was disappointed with her team's start to their Cup campaign.

"The morning was very tough for us. Redman and Diaz could have won easily," she said.

"But sometimes you relax when you have a big advantage and they have to learn from that."

Foursomes and fourballs again make up Saturday's action.