By: Jeff Evans, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
BOULDER CITY, Nev. – Western Washington University junior
Lauren F. Lee completed her historic run in the NCAA Division II Women's Golf Championship tying for 4th place in the three-day tournament held at Boulder Creek Golf Club.
Lee (Pleasanton, CA) fired three consecutive rounds under par at the national championship tournament, finishing at 8-under-par 208 to tie for 4th in the 102-player field. Lee's tournament total included rounds of 2-under-par 70 in the first round and matching 3-under-par 69 in the second and third round to set WWU's 54-hole tournament record.
The magical run by Lee started during the final day of the West Regional Championship last week in Amarillo, Texas with a 36-hole final day total of 5-under-par to earn a spot in the national championship. Over her last five rounds Lee played 90 holes of golf at 13-under-par.
"An incredible run by Lauren to record the best finish at the national tournament in program history. I am so proud of the way Lauren not only played, but how she represented our program and University," said WWU Director of Golf
Luke Bennett. "Her last five rounds – all under par – was special to have a front row set for. She was in control of all facets of her game, didn't let anything phase her and was incredibly consistent under varying conditions. It was some of the best golf I have ever witnessed. I am tremendously proud and happy for her. This is special."
Lee's tie for 4th place finish is the best individual performance by a Viking at the national championship, narrowly beating the 5th-place finish by All-American and WWU Hall of Famer Katja Trygg in 2006.
At the national tournament in Nevada, Lee was a mainstay near the top of the leaderboard throughout the three-day event playing as an individual. Lee carded 12 birdies and an eagle throughout the tournament, while recording just six bogeys. She tied for the best finish among the eight individuals playing in the tournament, matching the 8-under-par score (208) by Kajsa Lindqvist of Lander.
Dallas Baptist claimed the top spot in the team standings at 18-under-par 846 with Cal State San Marcos in second at 15-under-par 849. The top eight teams in the 20-team competition move on to match play to decide the national title. Madison Murr of Cal State San Marcos won the individual national title at 14-under-par 202 (69-64-69) for a three-stroke victory.
Lee was the first Viking to qualify for the national championship as an individual since Katie Sharpe in 2010. In 11 events in 2024-25, Lee recorded eight top 10 finishes.
