Step 1: Understand the current age.
The total current age of the three females is 80.
Step 2: Subtract the age difference from three years ago.
Since each female was 3 years younger three years ago, we subtract 3 years for each of the 3 females.
The total age difference is \( 3 \times 3 = 9 \) years.
Step 3: Calculate the total age three years ago.
The total age three years ago is:
\[
80 - 9 = 71.
\]
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the total age three years ago is 71, and the correct answer is (2).