SEATTLE- University of Idaho women's golf student-athlete Sophie Hausmann qualified for the 2018 U.S. Women's Open by finishing second Monday, at the sectional qualifier in Seattle. Hausmann shot even-par over the one-day, 36-hole tournament at Rainier Golf & Country Club. The top two finishers at the event advanced to the U.S. Open May 31-June 3, at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club in Shoal Creek, Ala.
 
Hausmann shared the accomplishment with her father, Jens, who traveled from Germany to serve as her caddy for the tournament. She shot a 3-under 69 in the first round to take a one-stroke lead headed into the final 18. After carding bogeys on the first four holes of the second round, Hausmann righted the ship with consecutive birdies to start the back nine.
 
Hausmann birdied her 36th and final hole of the day to climb back to even and take the clubhouse lead with eight groups still on the course. She waited anxiously for nearly 45 minutes as pairing after pairing finished on the front and back nines. In the end, LPGA professional Becky Morgan of Wales was the only golfer in the field to top Hausmann's performance. Morgan birdied the 18th hole to finish at 1-under and take the one-stroke victory over Hausmann, who was also honored as the low amateur.
 
"It is a tremendous opportunity to play in an LPGA Major at any stage of your career," said Idaho head coach Lisa Johnson, who was also in attendance. "Rainier Golf and Country Club was playing tough today and Sophie attacked the course. She beat many top players. I am excited to cheer her on in Alabama."
 
Hausmann's first appearance at a major championship will be latest in a long line of successes for the Nottuln, Germany, native. The 2018 Big Sky Player of the Year and individual conference champion, Hausmann won the 2016 German Ladies Amateur Championship, finished fourth at the 2015 European Ladies Amateur Championship and represented Germany at the 2016 World Team Amateur Championships. She entered the month of May ranked No. 56 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
 
Last week, Hausmann wrapped up her junior campaign with an 11th-place finish at the NCAA Madison Regional, becoming the first Vandal to shoot under par at a regional in program history. She will look to solidify her place as one of the top golfers in Idaho history when she returns for her senior season in 2018-19.
 
Hausmann was one of five Vandals to participate in sectional qualifiers around the country, Monday. Michelle Kim and Grace Frazier played in the Seattle tournament. Kim tied for 10th (12-over) and Frazier took 38th (26-over). Valeria Patino tied for 44th (20-over) at the Houston sectional. Laura Gerner took part in Denver, finishing in a tie for 29th (19-over).