US captain Nancy Lopez described winning the Solheim Cup as "like a dream" as her team defeated Europe 15�-12� at Crooked Stick, Indiana. The sides went into the singles tied 8-8 but America overpowered Europe with seven wins and a half from 12 matches.
"These players played their hearts out. It's awesome. They were ready. They weren't afraid of it," said the 48-year-old legend Lopez.
"We've been here for each other. It was a great team effort the whole week."
The foundations for the American victory were laid down by wins in the first five matches on Sunday, sparked by 19-year-old rookie Paula Creamer, who beat European veteran Laura Davies 7&5.
"This is a huge feat for me," said Creamer, the youngest ever Solheim Cup player.
"It was one of my goals to get here, and when I got here, I wanted to win. This is an unbelieveable experience."
The triumph was sealed when 42-year-old Meg Mallon halved the 16th to go two up with two to play against England's Karen Stupples, ensuring the half point USA needed to reach 14� and regain the Cup.
"I'm so proud," said Mallon, who went on to beat Stupples 3&1. "This European team was playing great golf and we had to play exceptional to beat them.
"What a match. What a great feeling this is."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
