Piller, Lewis fall short of podium for U.S.

RIO DE JANEIRO – There was a time on Saturday when it looked like Americans could occupy two spots on the Olympic podium. They ended up occupying none.

After an opening-round 68 Lexi Thompson was a non-factor, even though she did shoot 66 in the final round and tied for 18th place. Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller were the best hopes for the red, white and blue.

Piller was in the last group with ultimate winner Inbee Park and silver medalist Lydia Ko and began the day only two shots behind. She got off to a shaky start with bogeys on the first two holes but steadied the ship with birdies on two of the next three holes. A seven-hole stretch where Piller made three bogeys set her back so far that…