What they witnessed was a European team that scratched and clawed to seven halves in the 16 foursomes and four-ball matches, three times winning the 18th hole, pulling even three times on No. 17 and getting all square on No. 16 in the other. Although Europe led 8½-7½ going into singles, it felt like they were behind. Nine of the first 16 matches went to No. 18 with Europe winning the hole four times and halving it the other five. But when Pettersen went to No. 18 trailing Prammanasudh and lost the hole in the third singles match, it was clear Sunday was a new day. Only three matches even got to the 18th green, and the U.S. team lost there only in the Cristie Kerr-Linda Wessberg match, well after the final outcome was decided.
Alfredsson front-loaded her singles lineup Sunday, sending the strong trio of Matthew, Sophie Gustafson and Pettersen out in that order. Matthew won the first point of the day, beating Diaz, 3 and 2, but the next four matches to finish were won by the U.S. and the rout was on. By the time the final match of Nocera and Gulbis finished the first hole the Americans were ahead in seven matches, Europe in just one. Castrale clinched the cup when she earned the 14th point by defeating Bettina Hauert, 3 and 2.
While the U.S. team was united around King, who communicated well with her players and the media, Europe seemed tentative about the leadership of Alfredsson, who made a series of baffling moves. Linda Wessberg, one of her captain's picks, didn't play until the fourth session -- and still won 1½ points. Sorenstam and Pettersen, who have been unbeatable in Solheim Cup play, weren't paired until the fourth session -- and won. And when Pettersen was benched Friday afternoon, Alfredsson said the Norwegian was OK with the move, but sources in the European team room said the matter was never discussed with Pettersen. The tears Alfredsson shed in the closing ceremonies were an indication of the toll the week had taken.
Europe needed its best players to come up big to overcome the Americans' depth. But while Matthew led Europe with three points followed by Sorenstam, Davies and Hjorth with 2½ each and Pettersen with two, no one dominated. Meanwhile, the U.S. team was knee-deep in stars. Besides Creamer's 3½ points, Inkster had three with Stanford and Pat Hurst getting 2½ apiece. Castrale, who played extremely well, Steinhauer and Prammanasudh, another standout, had two points each. Every American except Brittany Lincicome won at least one match, while three European players -- Trish Johnson, Hauert and Gustafson -- were winless.
This was a transitional team for the United States. The core of its early squads -- King, Daniel, Mallon, Rosie Jones and yes, even Pepper -- are in the pipeline to be captains now, although Pepper, once a lock, is now a longshot after her harsh critique. But they have been replaced by a new wave of talent. Here's the question: Are Becky Brewerton (24), who was impressive, Hauert (25) and Wessberg (27) ready to step onto the world stage with Pettersen (26) and compete with these American kids? Or is the format broken? If it is, an exceptional American team that could dominate the Solheim Cup for years to come shattered it last week in Sweden.
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