VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Carli Lloyd came up big again. Three times.

And with it came the Americans’ elusive third Women’s World Cup title.

Lloyd scored a hat trick as the U.S. burst to a four-goal lead in the first 16 minutes, and the Americans overwhelmed defending champion Japan 5-2 Sunday for their record third championship and first since 1999.

A sellout crowd that included U.S. Vice President Joe Biden roared in approval for Lloyd’s hat trick, the first ever in a Women’s World Cup final.

When it was over, Lloyd collapsed to her knees and pumped her fists. Forward Abby Wambach bear-hugged teary-eyed coach Jill Ellis, lifting her off the ground.

Lloyd also won the Golden Ball as the most outstanding player in the Women’s World Cup.

U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo won the Golden Gloves award as the top goalkeeper in the tournament. The United States defense was stellar throughout and went 540 minutes between the first match of the group stage and Sunday’s final without giving up a goal.

Canada’s Kadeisha Buchanan won the Best Young Player award and Germany’s Celia Sasic won the Golden Boot.