The United States eased to a comfortable 12.5-7.5 victory over Great Britain and Ireland on Sunday to win the women's Curtis Cup for amateurs.
The Americans needed only two out of eight points in the singles to retain the cup after winning all six fourball and foursome matches Saturday to take a commanding 8.5-3.5 lead in the 36th biennial competition.
``It was a wonderful victory, obviously. We are very pleased and proud,'' said U.S. captain Noreen Mohler. ``I think today's play was just a continuation of yesterday's play. We went out with momentum and we just made a couple of more putts than they did.''
Alexis Thompson, who is 15, and 18-year-old Jennifer Johnson of both built early leads in their singles matches. Thompson beat Sally Watson 6 and 5, and Johnson defeated Rachel Jennings 5 and 4 to clinch it for the U.S., which has won seven straight matches.
Danielle McVeigh of Northern Ireland, a 22-year-old who is expected to turn pro soon, was a bright spot all weekend for her team and beat Jennifer Song 3 and 2 in the leadoff singles match. Lisa and Leona Maguire, 15-year-old twins from Ireland, also played well for the visitors. Lisa Maguire beat Kimberly Kim 1-up and Leona Maguire defeated Tiffany Lua 2 and 1.
``I had a great week,'' said McVeigh. ``I came here to play well and I'm glad I did. I went out to play well against a great opponent. I tried my best but there's no I in team.''
Jessica Korda was strong all weekend for the U.S., carding four birdies and an eagle while trouncing Pamela Pretswell of Scotland 4 and 3. American Cydney Clanton beat Hannah Barwood 4 and 3, while Holly Clyburn's 2 and 1 win over Stephanie Kono gave the GB&I team a split of Sunday's eight points.
``I told Alexis and Jessica you are going to be my horses this week,'' said Mohler. ``You are young and I know you can go 36 holes each day and both have very similar games. The hit the ball similarly distance wise and they feed off each other.''
Sunday's matches were expected to be the final amateur appearance for several members of the U.S. team. Thompson and Song, the reigning U.S. Women's Amateur and Women's Amateur Public Links champion, may play in next week's Shoprite LPGA Classic in Galloway, New Jersey.
The contest was played at the Essex County Club, the home course of Harriot and Margaret Curtis, the two women who donated the trophy that began the Curtis Cup in 1932.
