Sports

Annie Park wins 2 matches, US takes 5-1 lead over Britain and Ireland in Curtis Cup

Associated Press
Published | Updated

United States' Annie Park celebrates after putting in on the fifth hole during the 38th Curtis Cup amateur golf match against Great Britain and Ireland Friday, June 6, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (The Associated Press)

United States' Mariah Stackhouse hits her approach shot to the fifth green during the 38th Curtis Cup amateur golf match against Great Britain and Ireland Friday, June 6, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (The Associated Press)

Southern California's Annie Park won two matches Friday in the Curtis Cup to help the United States take a 5-1 lead over Britain and Ireland at St. Louis Country Club.

The 19-year-old Park, from Levittown, New York, teamed with Mississippi State's Ally McDonald to beat Bronte Law and Charlotte Thomas 4 and 3 in the morning four-ball matches, then joined UCLA's Erynne Lee to top Eilidh Briggs and Gabriella Cowley 3 and 1 the afternoon foursomes.

The United States is trying to regain the cup after falling 10½-9½ in 2012 at Nairn in Scotland. The loss was the Americans' first since 1996. The Americans lead the series 27-7-3.

On Saturday, there will again be three morning foursomes matches and three afternoon four-ball matches. On Sunday, the biennial competition will close with eight singles.