Grant opened the tournament strong on Monday at Findlay Country Club, carding rounds of 76 and 75 to sit comfortably inside the top five heading into the final round. Despite challenging conditions throughout the event, she remained steady and positioned herself among the regional leaders through 36 holes.
On Tuesday, in a final round played through steady rain in the second half of the day, Grant held her position against the field’s top individuals and closed with a 74 to secure a tie for second place at 225 (+9) for the tournament. Her final-round composure allowed her to separate from the chase group and secure the top qualifying spots for nationals as an individual.
“I stayed patient and trusted my game throughout the 54 holes,” Grant said. “I’m looking forward to competing against the best at nationals. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who’s supported me along the way. This is a special moment, and I’m excited to make the most of it.”
UIS head coach Josh Edison praised Grant’s resilience. “Elaine showed incredible resilience all week on a very demanding Findlay Country Club setup with the wind and rough,” Edison said. “The moment that stood out most was in the final round, when she didn’t let a back-nine double shake her, rolled in a clutch 10-footer for par, and then followed it with a birdie. It was high-level composure and confidence under stress. For our program, having her finish second and qualify for nationals is a special moment. It means a lot to see UIS golf represented at the NCAA Championship.”
Grant is among only three UIS women’s golfers who have competed at the NCAA Championship and the first in program history to qualify twice.
The NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship will take place May 12-16 at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
