The victory smiles were mainly on the faces of the Americans at the end of the second day of the Maureen Connolly Challenge Trophy at Coral Beach.

Awakened from their early slumber the US under-19 girls' team overhauled their British counterparts to take a 4-3 lead into the final day's play.

After taking an early 2-0 lead on Thursday, the Brits were forced onto the back foot with the Americans winning one and taking the first set in the remaining match before rain stopped play.

The US squad picked up yesterday where they had left off -- Candice Fuchs drawing first blood by defeating Nicola Trinder 6-3, 6-1. Ansley Cargill followed that up by despatching Alice Barnes 6-2, 6-1 and Megan Bradley secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jane O'Donoghue in a battle of the big hitters.

Elena Baltacha halted the US progress when she beat Sarah Taylor 6-2, 7-6 (8-6).

With the doubles from the opening day still to complete, Bermuda's unpredictable weather intervened and play was halted due to rain.

Cargill, who helped the Americans take a grip on the tournament, said after her victory: "I just went out there and tried my hardest. I played very well and was ready for the conditions because I've been training in Atlanta where it's hot and humid.'' The American, who played and beat Barnes in the Italian Open, said the US locker room was a better place to be yesterday morning and her team-mates were fired up for the final assault today.

"There's a little bit more of a relaxed feeling,'' she said. "Great Britain played great yesterday (Thursday) and got us on our toes and I think we are probably mentally prepared to do battle.'' Barnes was reflective in defeat: "I thought Ansley played well. I haven't played her in quite a while. I didn't feel I really took my chances and got into the match enough.

"Because I didn't take my chances early on it allowed her to relax and play a lot better.'' Barnes added: "I thought she played well. I was disappointed with the way I played but it was just a few points here and there. The difference was she won and took her chances and I didn't.'' Tournament master of ceremonies Trevor Adamson had predicted a US revival.

"I certainly thought the Americans played a lot better today. Bradley played well and Taylor played much better today, although Baltacha from a British point of view played extremely well,'' he said.