STANFORD, Calif. – The No. 12 Stanford women’s golf team earned the chance to repeat its 2015 national title by tying for first in the NCAA Stanford Regional Championships on Saturday at Stanford Golf Course.
In a seesaw battle, the Cardinal and No. 2 USC deadlocked at 4-over 856 to secure trips to the NCAA Championships, May 20-25 at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon. It equaled Stanford's best-ever showing, with the team sharing first place with Oklahoma State in the 2007 West Regional at Snow Canyon Country Club in St. George, Utah.
Saturday's victory was the team's fourth of the season.
Also advancing from the 18-team regional were Arkansas, Ohio State, North Carolina and Virginia, along with individuals Andrea Wong of UC Davis, Jennifer Kupcho of Wake Forest and Sarah Burnham of Michigan State. Burnham advanced with a birdie on the second hole of a sudden death playoff.
“Making it to the regionals is a big deal,” said Anne Walker, the Margot and Mitch Milias Director of Women’s Golf. “You always hope it’s your week. To be at home and also play great, is thrilling.”
Playing in light rain for the second straight day, Stanford took a two-stroke advantage into the final round. The Trojans played a strong front nine to catch and pass the Card, but were caught on the final green when Stanford senior Mariah Stackhouse picked up a stroke with a bogey.
Stanford posted rounds of 289-280-287, while USC shot 287-284-285.
“It’s a shootout and it’s a grind for every team out here,” Stackhouse said. “We’re excited to give it another go at nationals.”
The Cardinal was led by junior Casey Danielson, who placed fourth at 2-under 211 after closing with an even-par 71. Stackhouse tied for sixth at 1-under 212 following a 73, while senior Lauren Kim recorded her best round of the week, a 2-under 69, to claim sixth. Kim set the tone with a 3-under 32 on the front nine, made a team-high four birdies, and has not finished outside the top 20 all season.
Sophomore Shannon Aubert (77) tied for 22nd at 7-over 220, and freshman Sierra Kersten (74) tied for 42nd at 11-over 224.
“I always talk about steady, Stanford golf,” said Walker. “And that’s what we did.”
It was the final home appearance for All-Americans Kim and Stackhouse, two of the best players in program history.
“I can’t’ think of a better way for it to end,” Walker said.
Added Stackhouse,“It’s pretty special.”
Wong, a senior from San Francisco, fired the low round of the tournament, a 65, to share medalist honors with Elizabeth Szokol of Virginia (67). Both wound up at 4-under 209.
Alexandra Cooper of San Jose State aced the 150 yard par-3 fourth hole.