GAINESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Allisen Corpuz was lucky with a worm burner from a fairway wood and Nelly Korda took advantage, helping the Americans thwart any possible comeback by the Europeans and take an 8-4 lead midway through matches in the Solheim Cup on Saturday.

The United States began the day with a 6-2 lead at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, the largest one-day lead in Solheim Cup history, and split the morning session to prevent Europe from winning the Cup for a record fourth year in a row.

Korda and Corpuz became the first duo in Solheim Cup history to win four consecutive alternate shot matches, thanks in large part to Corpuz’s approach to the par-5 14th hole, which landed about 10 feet off the ground, avoided the water and went 20 feet out of bounds. Korda put her hands on her head in disbelief and U.S. captain Stacy Lewis rubbed Corpuz’s shoulder on the fairway.

“I told her those might be the three best shots I’ve ever seen in my life,” Korda said.

The world’s best player holed the putt for an eagle, giving the Americans a 1-up lead over Carlota Ciganda and Emily Pedersen. It was her first success in a match in which the Europeans were 2-up ahead after three holes.

They were tied again on the par-4 17th hole when Korda’s approach shot rode up the slope to within five feet for a birdie, and the Americans completed their 1-up victory with a par on the final hole.

Lexi Thompson improved her personal record in the Alternate Shot to 7-2-1 in what will likely be the last Solheim Cup. in a team with rookie Lauren Coughlin to make four birdies in six holes on the back nine to beat Maja Stark and Georgia Hall 4 and 3. Coughlin improved her record for the week to 3-0 while playing in her home state.

Thompson, 29, has not won in five years and has declared this will be her last season as a full-time player. Coughlin, the oldest U.S. player at 31, is having the best season of her career and was indispensable for Lewis this week, winning matches against Rose Zhang, Sarah Schmelzel and Thompson.

Charley Hull won her first game of the week for Europe, hitting a 300-yard drive on the par-4 18th hole to set a wedge to tap-in range by Esther Henseleit for a 1-up win over Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho.

Lilia Vu and Schmelzel made bogeys on their first five holes to take a 4-0 lead over Anna Nordqvist and Celine Boutier, who won 4-3. The 37-year-old Nordqvist, playing as alternate captain for Suzann Pettersen, improved her record for the week to 2-0.

“I love this tournament more than anything,” Nordqvist said. “It’s my ninth and I’m probably closer to the end than the beginning. I’m just trying to enjoy every moment.”

The stands around the first tee were full and fans lined the grandstand barriers just after 7 a.m. after transportation issues prevented most spectators from getting to the golf course in time for the start of play on Friday.

For the first two hours, American fans had little to cheer about. But Korda, as she had done all week, took control on the back nine, which showed off her power well.

“I hit some crazy balls and she saved me,” Corpuz said. “I feel like every time I play with Nelly, it’s like it’s going to work out eventually.”

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AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf