TOLEDO (Ohio) -- Matilda Castren looked at the rapidly growing sea of red on the videoboard near the 18th green. She took a deep breathe and tried to block it out.
It was a long journey for her to win the Solheim Cup. The host Americans are losing ground to Europe. After COVID-19 travel restrictions, a record crowd gathered in Inverness to see familiar faces.
The 26-year old knew that the 10-footer for par would go right to left. It was just a matter of speed. It was a slow, steady flow of emotion that gave her victory over Lizette Salas. This win would guarantee Europe a second consecutive Solheim Cup victory. There was a slight fist pump, and maybe a shake of the head.
Castren said, "It's just insane, crazy," Castren. Castren needed to win a tournament held in Finland in July in order to be eligible for the 12-woman team. Castren: "I cannot believe that I made that putt."
Castren may be the only one.
Europe won the Solheim Cup for the second consecutive time in the 31-year-old history of the biannual showdown between these rivals. Above: Matilda Castren and Catriona Matthew celebrate with their team captain. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
The Europeans made it clear that they were able to do everything in three days. A 15-13 win proved that there is no home-course advantage in biennial events between long-time rivals. Maybe Europe is still perceived as the perennial underdog.
Europe won the match in northwest Ohio without trailing at any point. The Americans were defeated for the fourth consecutive time. This was their second win on American soil.
Anna Nordqvist, seven-time Solheim Cup veteran, said that she believes this team is Europe's best.
The Europeans played like it. They were led by Catriona Matthews, who was twice captain and said she would step down when the event moves to Spain in 2023. Leona Maguire's brilliance was also a major factor.
The 26-year old former Duke standout was the first Irish woman to join a Solheim team (4-0-1), and she was the only player to take part in all five sessions.
Maguire finished third in singles and defeated Jennifer Kupcho 5-and-4, giving Europe the first five points necessary to retain the Cup.
Team Europe retains the Solheim Cup Team Europe defeated Team USA 15-13 in order to retain their Solheim Cup. The Europeans were 9-7 ahead on Monday. Here's a look at the final singles matches between the rival teams.
Anna Nordqvist (Europe), halved by Lexi Thompson, United States.
Madelene Sagstrom, Europe, def. Ally Ewing, United States of America, 3 and 2.
Leona Maguire, Europe, def. Jennifer Kupcho, United States 5 and 4.
Nelly Korda (USA) vs. Georgia Hall (Europe), 1 up
Celine Boutier, Europe, def. Mina Harigae (USA), 5 and 4.
Nanna Koertz, Europe, is halved by Austin Ernst, United States.
Matilda Castren, Europe, def. Lizette Salas, United States, 1 up.
Brittany Altomare, United States, def. Carlota Ciganda, Europe 2 and 1.
Megan Khang, United States, def. Sophia Popov, Europe. 3 and 2.
Yealimi Noh, United States, def. Mel Reid, Europe. 1 up.
Jessica Korda, United States, def. Charley Hull from Europe, 3 and 1.
Emily Pedersen, Europe, vs. Danielle Kang, United States, 1 up.
Even though her teammates cheered "MVP!" Maguire remained quiet during the excitement and tried to blend into the background. Maguire was wearing an Irish flag over her shoulders and only relaxed when she was reunited with Lisa, her identical twin, one of few blue-and white-clad supporters.
Mel Reid, who was paired with Maguire three more times during the weekend, said that Europe now has a 9-7 advantage going into the singles matches.
Americans do.
U.S. captain Pat Hurst remained with the "pod” system that worked so well for Juli Inkster, former captain. After Europe gained a 3 1/2-1/2-point advantage in the first alternate-shot session on Saturday morning, it might be worth revisiting the approach.
Hurst stated, "I had a plan, and I followed it." I'm very consistent. Everyone knew what we were doing, and I was going to stay with it.
On Monday, the U.S. had some bright spots, including from the world No. 1 Nelly Korda, and her older sister Jessica. The weekend was difficult for the two, but Nelly Korda won a 1-1 win over Georgia Hall and Jessica defeated Charley Hull 3-1.
It was just not enough. An afternoon where most of the cheers came from the crowd for long par putts that halved holes instead of winning them. The U.S. could not get the momentum it needed, even with a highly partisan crowd including Bubba Watson (yes really), a two-time Masters champion.
The United States was pushed to the brink by Europe's three-point victory in singles. For a brief moment, the Americans rallied and appeared to have a chance of completing a remarkable comeback.
The result was not what they expected, a sign of an extremely tight event in which only 16 of 28 participants reached the 18th fairway.
Austin Ernst saw her make a downhill 8-foot birdie on 18, which would have won her match with Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Europe was able to escape with a half point to bring their total to 13. Salas had an opportunity to draw even with Castren on 17th. But her 6-foot birdie putt sailed past the hole.
Salas couldn’t convert a 20-foot, uphill birdie putt on 18th. Castren, who had plugged in his approach shot in the bunker, salvaged par to save par. Europe had once more found a way of turning the U.S.A away.
Reid pointed out the Cup's success in the 1990s, when Castren and Maguire were both LPGA members. Not so long ago, Europe was intimidated by America's star power or experience.
You can do it all.
Reid stated that Castren and Maguire were not afraid. They both went 7-1-1. They are completely fearless
Champions are also welcome.
