PALM DESERT, Calif. - The University of Dubuque women's team finished the highest ever in school history this week by placing 14th overall in the 2026 NCAA Division III National Championships for head coach
Dustin Bierman. The Spartans made the cut for the first time in school history after a low round of 295 in the second round to sit 12th overall and the cut was 15. UD fired four rounds of 311-295-319-308 (1233) to finish the tournament at Desert Willow Golf Resort. The Spartans entered the tournament ranked 46th and was the highest team to make the top-15 cut.
Leah Balsbaugh (Sussex, Wis. / Hamilton) tied for 36th overall and led the Spartans with rounds of 73-73-79-74 (299),
Drew Hoffer (Oregon, Wis. / Oregon) fired rounds of 76-73-82-77 (308) tied for 56th,
Kaycee Newman (Eldridge, Iowa / North Scott) had rounds of 80-73-80-82 (315) tied for 67th,
Payton Morton (Twin Lakes, Wis. / Wilmot) 86-76-83-75 (320) was 73rd, and
Gracie Russell (Woodhull, Ill. / Alwood) 82-81-78-85 (326) 79th place.
Just so proud of these ladies and the way they represent the UD Spartans golf program and this university," said head coach Dustin Bierman. "They did something which has never been done before in our program, with them making the cut. Being a Top-14 program in the country means a lot and all the credit goes to them, they have elevated the UD to new heights. We have one senior in Leah Balsbaugh and she is going to be missed. Leah will walk out of this program the most accomplished player we have ever had and that's saying something. Two-time player of the year in the American Rivers Conference and Women's Golf Coaches Association All-Region 3 (Central). She is a special person and has led us all year. What a ride!"
FINAL RESULTS CLICK HERE:
UD Women's Golf - NCAA Championships History Record Book
Single-Day Individual Score: 73 (+1) - Leah Balsbaugh (2026)
Single-Day Team Score: 295 (2026) (Leah Balsbaugh, Drew Hoffer, Kaycee Newman, Payton Morton, Gracie Russell)
Two-Day Individual Score: 146 (+2) - Leah Balsbaugh (2026)
Three-Day Individual Score: 225 (+7) Leah Balsbaugh (2026)
Four-Dy Individual Score: 299 (+11) Leah Balsbaugh (2026)
Two-Day Team Score: 606 (2026) (Leah Balsbaugh, Drew Hoffer, Kaycee Newman, Payton Morton, Gracie Russell)
Three-Day Team Score: 925 (2026) (Leah Balsbaugh, Drew Hoffer, Kaycee Newman, Payton Morton, Gracie Russell)
Four-Day Team Score: 1233 (Leah Balsbaugh, Drew Hoffer, Kaycee Newman, Payton Morton, Gracie Russell)
Best Team Finish: 14th Place (311-295-319-308=1233) +81 (2026)
Making the Cut: 2026
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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.
