LONG GROVE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's golf team won their sixth American Rivers Conference Women's Golf Championship on Monday in dominating fashion with rounds of 310-306-322 (+74). Senior Leah Balsbaugh won A-R-C Medalist honors for the second time in her career after three rounds of 75-77-79 (+15).

The Spartans were dominate all weekend long and closed it out on Monday to win the conference title by 33 strokes. With the title, the Spartans have now won six A-R-C conference championships in the last seven seasons (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025). 

Balsbaugh (+15) previously won her first individual conference title her sophomore season (2023) and did so again in 2025 to become the first two-time A-R-C champion in University of Dubuque women's golf program history. Sophomore Payton Morton (+17) competed in her first conference championships and played extremely well, finishing right behind her teammate for a runner-up finish. Fellow sophomore Drew Hoffer (+18) finished in third place to give the Spartans a sweep across the top three individual finishers. Kaycee Newman (+24) finished all-conference with a sixth place finish, competing on her hometown course. Gracie Russell finished in 17th place to round out the top five for the Spartans. 

Hear from Dustin Bierman
"Really proud of our team, they set this goal of winning the league this summer and got it done today. Kaycee Newman, Drew Hoffer and Payton Morton had a great three days for us and they all have gotten so much better from last year and it's awesome to see. Obviously having the best player in the league helps in Leah Balsbaugh as well. Having Leah win it for the second time in her career is awesome. This team is so committed and connected not surprised we won by 33, nothing was going to stop them. Looking forward to going to California in May for nationals. "

The Spartans finished the three-day tournament with 18 birdies and 150 pars.

The Spartans have now completed their second three-peat (2019-2021, 2023-2025) and have earned the American Rivers Conference automatic qualifier to the 2026 NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championships that will take place May 19-22, 2026 at the Desert Willow Golf Course in Palm Desert, Calif. 

Final Results

Award Winners
A-R-C Champions - University of Dubuque 
A-R-C Medalist - Leah Balsbaugh
A-R-C Runner-Up - Payton Morton
A-R-C All-Conference Third Place - Drew Hoffer
A-R-C All-Conference Sixth Place - Kaycee Newman
A-R-C Coach of the Year - Dustin Bierman