A pivotal third round looms ahead for the Central College women’s golf team at the NCAA Division III Championship. The back nine was not kind to the Dutch in Wednesday’s second round at the 5,889-yard, par-72 Bay Oaks Country Club. After a strong opening nine, Central slipped two spots to 19th in the elite 25-team field at 336-341—677 after 36 holes, putting the squad in a tough spot. Following Thursday’s third round, the field will be cut to the top 15 teams and the top six individuals on non-qualifying teams for Friday’s finish of the 72-hole tournament. Illinois Wesleyan is 15th after Wednesday at 339-320—659, 18 shots ahead of the Dutch. American Rivers MVP Brittany Coppess remains in the hunt for an individual spot in Friday’s final round if the Dutch fail to qualify as a team. She was tied for sixth after an opening-round 75, came back with 78 for 153 and is tied for 15th. In its only previous NCAA tourney appearance, Central was 16th after three days in 2017, missing the cut by 12 shots.