Sept 16, V7N - Lilia Vu secured the Solheim Cup for the United States on Sunday in Gainesville, Virginia, by clinching a crucial half-point in her match against Europe's Albane Valenzuela. This result pushed the U.S. to the 14.5 points needed to reclaim the trophy.

The U.S. required 4.5 points from the 12 singles matches to secure victory. Wins by Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, and Allisen Corpuz, along with half-points from Andrea Lee and Lauren Coughlin, set up Vu's decisive performance with just two other matches still in play.

Vu, who had a picture of a past U.S. Solheim Cup victory on her wall, described the win as a dream come true. Despite trailing Valenzuela with two holes to play, Vu made a strong comeback, finishing with a pair of birdies, including one on the final hole after a brilliant approach shot.

This win marked the U.S.'s first Solheim Cup victory since 2017 and prevented Europe from achieving a record fourth consecutive title. Europe, trailing 10-6 going into the final day and needing a record-tying comeback, made a strong push. They started the day with a win by England's Charley Hull over world number one Nelly Korda, but the U.S. secured crucial victories to fend off Europe's challenge.

European captain Suzann Pettersen acknowledged the team's unexpected strong finish, despite a poor start. Lexi Thompson, playing in her seventh and potentially final Solheim Cup, had a chance to clinch the win but missed a 12-foot birdie putt. Coughlin also missed a 15-footer on the 18th hole, resulting in a half-point.

U.S. captain Stacy Lewis expressed relief and excitement as the final moments unfolded, hoping for a favorable outcome. The U.S. now leads the overall Solheim Cup series 11-7-1, with the next edition scheduled for 2026 at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands.

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