Nordqvist sticks with top Europe duo Hull and Woad despite more stumbles at Solheim Cup

Den Bosch, Netherlands (AP) — Europe's reigning pair of Lottie Woad and Charley Hull managed a single point from their initial three clashes against the United States at the Solheim Cup. Captain Anna Nordqvist paired them once more on Saturday, granting them the honor of being the first duo to partake in four sessions throughout the women's competition.

Despite their previous setbacks, including a 1-up defeat in their four-ball match against Yealimi Noh and Andrea Lee, Hull and Woad persisted. They lost another match 6 and 5 to Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin, a loss that equaled the record for the most significant margin of defeat in a Solheim Cup foursomes contest. Nordqvist defended her choice of this high-caliber pairing, emphasizing their strength in each session.

"I don't think people understand that these are the best players in the world. I think they play the strongest pairings in each session. They played solid," she asserted. Woad's performance stood out, as she secured six birdies in the afternoon portion of the match. However, Noh's eagle on the par-4 eighth hole and subsequent birdie on the ninth gave the U.S. team a two-hole advantage.

The Europeans reclaimed a hole but Lee birdied the 13th to restore the two-hole lead. As Woad struggled on the 16th hole, Hull's approach missed the green and sailed into a stream. Despite Hull's clutch birdie on the 17th hole to narrow the deficit, both players succumbed to their water woes on the final hole, with Hull's drive and Woad's putt missing the target.

With just one more shot each, Hull and Woad stand a chance to earn crucial points for Europe during Sunday's pivotal singles matches.