U.S. captures third straight Solheim Cup

SUGAR GROVE, Ill., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Morgan Pressel's 3 and 2 win over Anna Nordqvist Sunday clinched a third straight United States victory in the Solheim Cup.

The American team ended up with a 16-12 advantage in the competition at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.

Overall, the United States leads the cup competition 8-1. Europe has never won the cup when the matches were played on an American course.

Other U.S. winners were Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lincicome and Christina Kim. The Americans picked up eight out of 12 final-round points to score their decisive win.

"Most of the day I was thinking this wasn't going to happen," said Beth Daniel, the U.S. team's captain. "I can't even believe they've done this."

It was a "very emotional" day, Pressel said.

"It's been a long week and we played great," she said. "I'm so proud of our team. I wasn't sure if I was going to make the team for a while this year, so for Beth to put me out late like I asked and me to come through, it's great."

Alison Nicolas, the European captain, said, "The Americans came out firing on all cylinders."

Catriona Matthew and Diana Luna won for Europe. Four matches were halved.