EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It took 26 years as the head coach of the Michigan State University women’s golf program for Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll to win a NCAA Regional. On Wednesday afternoon, she coached the Spartans to the NCAA Palm Beach Regional Championship to a three-stroke win over Duke. MSU shot an 872 in the three day tournament holding off the Blue Devils 875.

The final day was the most difficult for MSU as they shot a 291. They started off the tournament with a 285 followed by a 296 before finishing with the 291. Duke shot better every day going from a 298 to 290 to 287 to come within three strokes of taking the tournament.

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“I think today is one of the toughest days of the year. I think any coach would agree with me. Going into the last day of regionals, whether you have a 10-stroke lead or a 1-stroke lead, anything cam happen because they’re the best teams in the country and they are all capable of rounds under par,” said Slobodnik-Stoll.

MSU is very familiar with regional tournaments as Slobodnik has taken the Spartans to 12 NCAA Championship events and 23 regional appearances. To finally advance on to the final round will be a moment to remember.

She says, “That’s what Michigan State golf has been for 25-plus years now. We have been one of the teams that’s always showed up for the tournament, just like Coach Izzo, and it’s a great feeling to do something we’ve never done before in the history of the program.”

The 872 tied the team best score from the 2017 team in Athens.

Brooke Biermann led the team with a three-under par 213 as she tied for first place. She shot a 69 on day one followed by a 73 and then a 71 for first place. The 213 tied the best score by an individual in program history.

MSU will next play in the NCAA Championships in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the Grayhawk Golf Club from May 19-24.

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