Benka upbeat despite defeat

Great Britain and Ireland captain Pam Benka tonight spoke of the pride she felt towards her team despite their 11-7 defeat by America in the 32nd Curtis Cup match at the Fox Chapel Club in Pittsburgh.

"I cannot speak too highly of my kids. I am really proud of the way they battled," she declared.

"Indeed, if the clock had been stopped at one time this afternoon we would have actually made it. We were up in virtually everything and all-square in one. We certainly had our moments and it was a tremendous game."

Great Britain and Ireland had fought back after being 7-2 down at the end of the first day.

American skipper Mary Budke said that she did fear early in the afternoon that her side might be caught.

"It was obviously much closer than had been expected after the first day," she admitted.

Budke paid tribute to the oldest member of the team, 53-year-old Carol Semple Thompson, who got the point that made sure America would retain the Cup.

Rebecca Hudson concluded her Curtis Cup career on a personal high note beating Mollie Fankhauser three and one in the top singles.

Hudson, the current Ladies British Open Amateur Champion seems poised to turn professional very soon.