SUGAR GROVE, Ill. — Instead of dancing, Juli Inkster dropped to her knees.

Paula Creamer made a 20-footer late Friday afternoon to give the United States a 4z-3z lead at the Solheim Cup, and make Inkster the highest-scoring U. S. player in the event’s history. The 49-year-old has scored 17z points, one more than Meg Mallon, now an assistant captain for the U. S. team.

“About time my partner made a putt,” Inkster joked after her and Creamer’s 2-and-1 foursome victory over Catriona Matthew and Janice Moodie. “No, it was good. We had some sloppy play in the middle — I did. The thing with alternate shot, is you’ve just got to ham-and-egg it, do the best you can and ride it out. We were fortunate enough to throw a few birdies in there and Paula had a phenomenal putt on 17.”

Inkster hasn’t won since 2006, and her best finish this year is a tie for 11th. But U. S. captain Beth Daniel didn’t hesitate to make her a captain’s pick, and the seven-time major champion reinforced the decision with a critical point against Matthew and Moodie.

Only Europe’s Annika Sorenstam (24 points) and Laura Davies (23) have scored more points than Inkster in Solheim Cup play.

Play continues today with eight more doubles matches (9 a. m., Golf).