Grace College women’s golfer Lauren Keiser, shown with Grace College golf coach Denny Duncan, qualified for NCCAA Nationals. (Photo provided)

NOBLESVILLE – Grace’s women’s golf team competed in its first NCCAA Midwest Regional as a program on Friday and Saturday.

The Lady Lancers finished third out of three teams at Stony Creek Golf Club, but freshman Lauren Keiser qualified as an individual for NCCAA Nationals in a dramatic playoff.

Keiser, who fired an 83 in the first round, came back to shoot 86 in the second round and tie for the top individual finisher outside of the team champ Indiana Wesleyan. Keiser then clinched a spot at NCCAA Nationals thanks to beating her opponent in a playoff.

“The team struggled a bit, especially yesterday when it rained throughout the day,” said Grace head coach Denny Duncan. “We are extremely proud of Lauren [Keiser], who showed a lot of confidence to win a playoff to represent Grace at NCCAA Nationals in Florida.”

As a team, Grace improved 13 strokes on the second day. Libby Tully was the most consistent performer for Grace, carding a 97-94.

Stevie Luebbert made the biggest jump between rounds, improving eight strokes with a 104-96. Aspen Rogers finished with a 101-96, and Kate Adams had 108-101 in her first collegiate tournament.

The Lady Lancers’ next tournament is also Grace’s first home tourney as a program. The Lancer Invitational will start on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at Stonehenge Golf Club.