For the second consecutive season, the Northwest Missouri State University women's golf team has earned a berth into the NCAA Central Regional Tournament.
 
Under the direction of second-year head coach Lathan Croy, the Bearcats will send its entire team to the 2026 NCAA Central Region Tournament set for May 4-6 at St. Joseph Country Club in St. Joseph, Mo. Northwest is one of 18 teams selected to compete in the regional. Northwest is one of nine MIAA teams to earn a spot at the regional. Last season the Bearcats placed 12th in the Central Regional.

Northwest is ranked No. 12 in the Central Region in Scoreboard rankings provided by clippd. The Bearcats are ranked No. 74 in the nation. Northwest has an adjusted team scoring average of 313.6 in 24 rounds this fall and spring.
 
The NCAA Division II women's golf regional competition will be conducted May 4-6. Each site will consist of both team and individual competition conducted concurrently. The number of teams and individuals from non-qualifying teams at each regional are as follows: 

Central regional: 18 teams; 6 individuals;
East regional: 18 teams, 6 individuals;
South regional: 18 teams, 6 individuals; and
West regional: 18 teams, 6 individuals.

All participants will compete through the 54 holes of competition. The top four (central), four (south), five (east) and five (west) teams along with the top two individuals not on an advancing team will advance to the championships.
 
The NCAA Championship will be held May 12-16 at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The number of participants that qualify for the finals is 98.

Central Regional
St. Joseph Country Club
St. Joseph, Mo.
Host: St. Joseph Sports Commission, Missouri Western

Teams:
1. Arkansas Tech
2. Rogers State
3. Southwestern Oklahoma State
4. Washburn
5. Central Missouri
6. Arkansas-Fort Smith
7. Central Oklahoma
8. Henderson State
9. Nebraska-Kearney
10. Harding
11. Minnesota State
12. Northwest Missouri State
13. Missouri Western
14. Wayne State
15. Missouri Southern
16. Winona State
17. Concordia, St. Paul
18. Augustana, S.D.