In their second match of the day, European duo Charley Hull and Emily K. Pedersen got the better of Danielle Kang and Austin Ernst. The battle was the finale to the afternoon fourballs session, and it was a tight affair for the opening four holes.
Ernst made a birdie on the fifth to put Team USA 1 up but Race to Costa del Sol champion Pedersen made birdie on seven and a sensational eagle on 8 to put Europe 1 up.
The Europeans extended their advantage on the par-4 11th when both players made a birdie and Pedersen drained another birdie on 12 to go 3 up.
“I was pretty chilled all the way. Emily made a great eagle on the eighth hole, and then I made two good birdies on the back nine on 10 and 11, then she birdied 12,” said Hull. “It just gave us some good momentum.”
Team Europe had chances to add to their score, but USA kept themselves in the hunt until the match was won when the Danish star left her second shot centimeters from the hole on 16 to record a 3-and-2 victory.
“It was a good day. I feel like I’m a whole other person compared to 2017,” admitted Pedersen. “I feel like I’m a lot more mature, and I feel a lot more comfortable on the course. Charley is very easy-going and a great player – it is nice to have her by my side.”