Lilia Vu Seals Victory as U.S. Overcomes European Fightback to Reclaim Solheim Cup
The United States reclaimed the Solheim Cup on Sunday, thanks to a crucial half-point secured by Lilia Vu in Gainesville, Virginia. Vu’s performance against Europe’s Albane Valenzuela was pivotal, helping the U.S. reach the 14.5 points required to win the trophy. The match was a dramatic conclusion to a fiercely contested tournament, marked by a significant European fightback.
Heading into the final day, the U.S. needed 4.5 points from the 12 singles matches to secure the victory. Megan Khang, Rose Zhang, Allisen Corpuz, Andrea Lee, and Lauren Coughlin delivered vital performances, earning crucial points and half-points to set up Vu for the decisive moment. Vu clinched the win just as two other matches remained on the course, sealing the U.S. triumph after Valenzuela missed a critical 30-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.
European captain Suzann Pettersen expressed both pride and disbelief at her team’s performance. “I mean, we gave them a run for their money. I don’t think anyone expected us to be here at 2:30 and to still have a chance,” Pettersen said. Despite a rocky start and a significant deficit early in the competition, Europe’s resilience saw them claw back to within 14-11, intensifying the final moments of the event.
Lexi Thompson, competing in her seventh and possibly final Solheim Cup, came close to sealing the victory herself but missed a 12-foot birdie attempt on the 18th hole. Coughlin also had a chance to contribute the winning point but settled for a half-point after missing a 15-footer at the same hole.
U.S. captain Stacy Lewis reflected on the tense finale, “It really could have gone either way. It’s crazy there at the end kind of how it all unfolded. I was just hoping and praying it went our way.” The victory adds to the U.S.’s impressive Solheim Cup record, with the Americans now leading the overall series 11-7-1. The tie in the series occurred last year in Spain.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Solheim Cup will be hosted at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands, marking the next opportunity for both teams to renew their fierce rivalry.
The triumph in Gainesville not only highlights the strength and depth of the U.S. team but also underscores the competitive spirit of the Solheim Cup, ensuring that the rivalry between the American and European teams remains as thrilling as ever.