ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Stanford women’s golf team earned its spot in the NCAA Championships by finishing second Saturday at the NCAA St. George Regional Championships contested at Entrada at Snow Canyon.
The three-day, 54-hole event saw the Cardinal (304-292-290) post a 34-over 886, capped by its best round of the tournament, sending the squad to a sixth consecutive NCAA finale. Stanford’s final-round 6-over tied for the best score on the day.
"We received terrific play from our underclassmen in a pressure-filled situation," said Anne Walker, Stanford's Margot and Mitch Milias Director of Women's Golf. "I am impressed by Lauren and Casey's top-10 finishes. This was a difficult course that demanded complete focus from start to finish. I think the mental toughness we needed here will benefit us in Florida in two weeks."
Stanford received three significant performances in as many rounds to help punch its ticket. In the opening round, it was Casey Danielson’s 1-over 72. The second round, Shannon Aubert’s 2-under. To finish the event, All-American Lauren Kim primed the pump with an even-par 71.
Kim (75-74-71), who tied for seventh at 7-over to lead the Cardinal, was 2-over at the final turn before dropping four straight birdies to secure an extended postseason.
Casey Danielson (72-75-74) gave Stanford another top-10 performer, checking in at 8-over for ninth. Shannon Aubert (75-69-78) was fearless in her regional debut with a share of 11th.
Quirine Eijkenboom (82-74-72) was 10 strokes better in the final round than her opener to place 34th, and Mariah Stackhouse (83-76-73) steadily improved throughout the tournament to finish at 19-over.
Top-ranked USC finished 28-over to win the regional. Arkansas (+40), UNLV (+43), Virginia (+46) and Cal (+48) also advanced to the NCAA Championships, which will be held May 22-27 at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida.
UNLV’s Dana Finkelstein took medalist honors at 2-under, including a 4-under 67 in her final round.