'GRIT' EARNS U.S. SOLHEIM CUP WIN

Captain Lewis pays tribute to her tenacious side after they beat Europe for first time since 2017

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United States captain Stacy Lewis could feel the tension rise late on Sept 15, as match after match the Americans struggled before finally capturing their first Solheim Cup since 2017.

Two ties and two losses to Europe came and went before Lilia Vu landed her approach inches from the 18th pin, and tapped-in for birdie and a Cup-clinching half-point in the US women's 15.512.5 victory.

"That was the longest hour and a half of my life. I'm not going to lie. That last hour of matches on 16 and 17 and 18, it just felt like it was never going to end," Lewis said at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainsville, Virginia.

"Just really nerve-racking. You felt pretty helpless. The last 30 minutes or so were pretty rough."

However, the joy of winning after Europe kept the Cup in 2023 following the 14-14 draw in Spain was worth the wait.

"I'm so proud of this team. They fought through some adversity this week and played some unbelievable golf. I'm proud that they get this moment to celebrate," Lewis added.

She also praised her players for tenacity and fortitude in tensionpacked situations.