Leona Maguire is on course to become the most successful rookie ever in Solheim Cup history. 

The Cavan native has collected three and a half points from a possible four so far, as Europe eye the retention of their title.

The visitors hold a 9-7 lead over the USA heading into today's singles matches.

A haul of 14 points will be enough to retain the title.

There's little doubt that the story of the week has been the performance of Maguire.

The 26-year-old, partnered with Mel Reid, managed to eke a half out of last night's fourball encounter with Jennifer Kupcho and Lizette Salas.

“We knew we were going to have to play some really good golf to come away with any sort of points,” she said after the match.

“But we holed some putts at the right time to sort of answer them back, which was nice, and yeah, that half almost feels like a win right now.”

Kupcho again provides the opposition for Maguire in Monday's singles, where Europe require five points from the 12 matches.

Impact

Reflecting on the level of her performance so far in Ohio, Maguire was typically modest.

“A little surprised, I guess, but I've been playing well,”

“That's what the captain wanted me to do, so here to win every single point I can for the team.

"One more day to try and do that again tomorrow.”

“You never know how you're going to react in these situations until you're put in them. This is what you practice for. This is what you prepare for.

"I love team golf. I love match play."

Maguire has played all four matches in her debut at golf's blue riband team event - and she is enjoying the experience.

“It kind of felt like being in college a little bit," she commented.

"I've had fantastic partners that have made me feel so comfortable out there and just sort of tried to dovetail off them, ride the momentum and hole a few putts when I could.”

Maguire tees off at 5.25pm Irish time this evening.