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Catriona Matthew (left), is the first European captain who has won the Solheim Cup twice.
Rookie Leona Maguire was a star as Europe won the Solheim Cup, beating Ohio by a tough 15-13 score.
To remain unbeaten, the first Irishwoman to participate in the competition won her singles match on Sunday 5&4. This set the tone for an exciting victory.
Matilda Castren's 18th-place win sparked a flurry of emotions among Europeans. They were seen as rank outsiders prior to the match and had won only once in the USA.
Celebrations had begun when Emily Pedersen won Monday night's final singles match.
As the small but vocal visiting contingent praised Catriona Matthew as the first European captain to win twice, chants of "Beany, we love you" echo around Inverness Golf Club.
It's amazing. Matthew said that his team has been amazing all week.
"I am so proud of them. With only a few European fans, we knew it would be difficult. They persevered and finished yesterday with a fantastic finish. It was a great start, but then it got a little tricky.
It was nerve-wracking. Three and a quarter points were ours after the four first ones, and then the tide was turning."
Maguire's eye-catching show
Matthew was a veteran player in Europe’s 2013 win in Colorado, but their success this time was supported by Maguire, a debutant.
The 26-year old announced herself with style at the 17th staging, where she won three and a quarter points from four matches she played on the first two days.
She won Monday's 12 singles matches by a convincing 5&4 victory over Jennifer Kupcho.
It strengthened the visitor's overnight position and moved Europe 10-7 ahead.
Maguire was the only player on either side to play in all five matches. He scored four and a quarter points, which is a rookie record.
Kupcho was also defeated by her crushing victory, making her the third Solheim Cup player to score more than four points in one competition.
Celine Boutier and Madelene Sagstrom edged Catriona Matthew's team closer to their goal of 14 points to retain the trophy. This was before American wins for Brittany Altomare, Megan Khang, and Nelly Korda made it look like a dramatic turnaround.
We will keep you posted.
