The Central College women’s golf team shaved 12 strokes off its opening-round score to place 10th in a strong 18-team field at the Washington-St. Louis Invitational Sunday. The Dutch finished at 656 on the par-72, 5,865 yard Gateway National Golf Links, carding a 322 after turning in a 334 Saturday. Central inched ahead of Carroll University in 11th and was six strokes behind Truman State University in ninth . William Woods University carded 308-303—611 and won the team race in a tiebreaker over Washington.

Sarah Paulson jumped two spots in the 104-player tournament, finishing 15th at 78-78—156. Maryville’s Kayla Eckelkamp took medalist honors at 72-76—148. Kelsey Van Tasell – a freshman from Pella High – tied for 94th at 91-101—192.

The Dutch have Easter weekend off before traveling to Normal, Illinois, for the Illinois Wesleyan Spring Fling April 14-15 at the Ironwood Golf Course.