By Fred Altvater
Notre Dame graduate student, Lauren Beaudreau became the first Golden Domer to win an NCAA Regional. Last month in East Lansing she fired three rounds of 68-69-67, 12-under par to qualify as an individual for the Women’s Division I NCAA Championship.
“Lauren was unshakeable this week,” said head coach Caroline Powers Ellis. “Forest Akers West is a ball striker’s golf course and Lauren is one of the best ball strikers I’ve ever seen. She was locked in from the start of the week and was patient and poised through all three rounds.”
Beaudreau started off strong and continued her consistent play throughout all three rounds, breaking her own personal best of 10-under par, as well as setting a new 54-hole record score. She recorded an impressive 14 birdies and one eagle. She recorded seven birdies in round three.
“She has been playing great all season and what a time for everything to come together to break her own 54-hole scoring record en route to the victory,” said Powers Ellis. “The best part is, she is not done yet and is definitely one to watch out for at the National Championship. We can’t wait to get to California and represent the Irish!”
In the NCAA Women’s Division I Championship held at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California, Beaudreau’s great run came to an end. She posted three rounds of 72-73-79 and finished T-64, just a single stroke shy of making it to the final round.
“It’s been fun to follow her this postseason,” said head coach Caroline Powers Ellis. “What an impressive way to end her career here.”
Beaudreau finished her final year at Notre Dame strongly, recording five top-15 finishes with a win at the Bruzzy and a first place finish at the NCAA East Lansing Regional, the first regional title in program history.
