Shannon Pluhowsky Clinches PWBA Music City Classic Title in a Thrilling Finish

Shannon Pluhowsky of Dayton, Ohio, emerged victorious at the PWBA Music City Classic, held at Smyrna Bowling Center in Tennessee, capping off an exciting week in the PWBA Classic Series – Nashville.

Pluhowsky’s Path to Victory

Entering the stepladder finals as the No. 1 seed, Pluhowsky dominated the competition with a 6,188 total pinfall, which included 540 bonus pins from her 17 wins and two ties in match play. In the championship match, she faced off against Stefanie Johnson of McKinney, Texas.

Johnson struggled early, leaving two open frames, while Pluhowsky kept her game clean and built an early lead. Although Johnson found her rhythm later, a crucial 3-10 baby split in the ninth frame sealed her fate. Pluhowsky had a chance to secure the win with a strike but left a split of her own, momentarily silencing the crowd.

Needing just a mark in the 10th frame, Pluhowsky delivered under pressure. A solid shot left a 6 pin, which she quickly converted before finishing with a strike for a final score of 204. Johnson struck out in the 10th but could only manage 193, handing Pluhowsky her second title of the season, her fourth PWBA title overall, and the $12,000 top prize. Johnson took home $6,000 as the runner-up.

A Historic Season for Pluhowsky

For the first time in her career, Pluhowsky has secured multiple wins in a single PWBA season. Her consistency and performance have solidified her as a top competitor on tour.

“I’ve bowled pretty good here before, and I’m just trying to ride the momentum of the season. It feels great to have a multi-win season,” said Pluhowsky.

The Road to the Finals

Quarterfinals: Coté vs. Parkin

The stepladder finals began with Missy Parkin (San Clemente, California) vs. Bryanna Coté (Tucson, Arizona). Both bowlers started strong, trading strikes, but Parkin’s two open frames in the seventh and eighth proved costly. Coté capitalized with nine straight strikes, securing a 279-223 victory. Parkin finished fifth, earning $2,600.

Semifinals: Tan vs. Coté

Coté then faced Cherie Tan of Singapore, who was aiming for back-to-back titles in the Classic Series. Tan started strong with four strikes in the first six frames, while Coté suffered an early open frame. Despite a mid-game comeback, Coté’s missed 2-5 conversion allowed Tan to pull ahead. Tan finished with 236, while Coté ended with 204, placing fourth with $3,000.

Semifinals: Tan vs. Johnson

In the other semifinal, Tan took on Stefanie Johnson in what was expected to be a high-scoring match. Johnson opened with seven straight strikes, while Tan struggled with corner pins and two missed single-pin spares. Despite finishing strong with five consecutive strikes, Tan’s 214 was not enough to catch Johnson’s 257. Tan ended her grueling 76-game week in third place, earning $4,000.

A Special Moment for Pluhowsky

Pluhowsky’s victory was even more meaningful as her family was in attendance to witness her triumph.

“My youngest daughter and stepson have never seen me win, so it was special to have them here along with my mom and oldest daughter. It’s nice to share the success with them,” she said.

What’s Next?

The PWBA Tour now heads to Clarksville, Indiana, for the Southern Indiana Open, starting on June 6 with a pre-tournament qualifier. Fans can expect another thrilling week as the world’s best female bowlers compete for the next championship title.

This Music City Classic victory adds another chapter to Pluhowsky’s impressive career, proving once again why she remains a top contender on the PWBA Tour. Stay tuned for more action as the season unfolds! 🎳