The United States retained the Solheim Cup when they crushed Europe 8½-3½ in the final session of singles and finished 16-12 ahead overall at Halmstad in Sweden.

A point behind at 7½-8½ going into the 12 singles, Paula Creamer made sure the US would get the 14 points needed to retain the Cup when she went dormie three up on Maria Hjorth.

Rookie Nicole Castrale then beat Bettina Hauert 3 and 2 to claim the victory and extend the overall lead to 7-3.

"This is just awesome," said Castrale, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season with her first LPGA victory in June. "I played really well and this is one of the best years of my life."

It is only the second time an away team has come out on top - the first was when the US won at St Pierre in Wales in 1996.

"The matches were so close all week and it was a great challenge," said US captain, Betsy King. "I'm so proud of the way all our players gelled together and came together as a team."

Europe won the top match with Catriona Matthew defeating Laura Diaz by 3 and 2, but it was a rare blue point.

Pat Hurst, Juli Inkster, Angela Stanford, Stacy Prammansudh and Morgan Pressel all won full points, while Sherri Steinhauer won the final hole to secure a half against Becky Brewerton before Castrale completed the business.

Pressel, the youngest Solheim Cup player at 19, claimed one of the biggest scalps of the day, beating former world number one Annika Sorenstam 2 and 1.

"I'm just so proud of the effort from my team. They fought hard all the way and it was one of the best weeks of my life," European captain Helen Alfredsson said.

"The weather made it very tough but it's been amazing week and my players gave their all."