Capping a memorable fall season, the Central College women’s golf team placed fifth in the six-team, 36-hole Whistling Straits Intercollegiate Invitational Tuesday.

American Rivers Conference MVP Brittany Coppess recorded a top-10 finish, placing ninth at 79-88—167. Central shot 362-360—722 in a field of NAIA foes. The big-time environment will help prepare Central for its second NCAA Division III Championships appearance May 14-17 at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas. The Dutch gained a berth with their 10th league championship Oct. 7.

Tackling some of the same shots as the world’s best, the Central College men’s golf team climbed into a tie for eighth place at the 36-hole Whistling Straits Intercollegiate Invitational Tuesday. The 16-team tourney was contested at the par-72 Straits Course, site of the 2020 Ryder Cup as well as three past PGA Championships. Playing in seasonably chilly but calm conditions alongside Lake Michigan, scores were typically higher Tuesday but Central improved and finished at 320-318—638. The abbreviated season gave Blasi a good read on his squad as he heads into his first spring as head coach. The Dutch will also get a boost from the return of two players from last spring who missed the fall campaign, sophomore Wyatt Crosby and junior Dillon Peters.