CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The University of Dubuque women's golf team is ready to go in California to compete at the NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championship as the automatic qualifier from the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C).
For the sixth time in the last seven years, the Spartans were crowned the women's golf champions of the A-R-C. UD bested the field by 33 shots and were led by medalist Leah Balsbaugh.
The Spartans are looking to make some noise at the national championship. UD ranks No. 45 in the country and No. 8 in the region with a scoring average of 319.6. Balsbaugh leads the team ranked No. 122 in the country.
The 2026 championship is set to take place this week, May 19-22 at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California. Live scoring is available on Clippd by Scoreboard for the championship.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
