Lauren Russo Claims First PWBA Title with Thrilling Victory at Southern Indiana Open

Lauren Russo of Ballwin, Missouri, secured her first-ever Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tourtitle in a dramatic showdown at Blackiston Bowl in Clarksville, Indiana. Facing off against 2023 PWBA Player of the Year Jordan Richard, Russo delivered a near-flawless performance, winning the championship match 267-259 in one of the highest-scoring stepladder finals in recent history.

A High-Scoring Title Match

In the final match, Russo started strong with six consecutive strikes, while Richard was right behind her, only leaving a single 10-pin spare in the second frame. Russo’s seventh frame left a 6-pin, which she converted, while Richard added two more strikes to momentarily take control.

The match took a dramatic turn in the ninth frame when Richard, on what appeared to be one of her best shots of the tournament, left a wrapped 10-pin and showed her frustration. She recovered by striking out in the 10th frame, finishing with 259 and putting the pressure on Russo, who needed just one more strike to secure the win.

Without hesitation, Russo delivered a perfect ninth strike, clinching the title with a final score of 267. The combined total of 526 points made it the second-highest scoring championship match since the PWBA Tour was relaunched in 2015. Overcome with emotion, Russo immediately embraced her husband, fellow professional bowler Matt Russo.

A Meaningful Victory

Russo’s win was extra special as her grandmother grew up near Clarksville, making Blackiston Bowl a place of personal significance.

“It’s a memorable place, and it’s pretty cool to take home the title here. It’s so surreal.”

She also dedicated the victory to her late grandfather, who passed away before the season began but remained a source of inspiration for her.

“I know he’s watching everything I do, and he’s got the best seat in the house.”

With the win, Russo took home the $20,000 first-place prize and a custom-made bourbon barrel lid trophy engraved with the tournament’s name. Richard, finishing as the runner-up, earned $10,000 and received a customized Louisville Slugger bat.

Path to the Finals

The stepladder finals featured intense competition, with standout performances from some of the world’s best female bowlers:

• First Match: Ukraine’s Dasha Kovalova defeated Erin McCarthy (247-225). McCarthy earned $5,500 for her fifth-place finish.
• Second Match: Kovalova faced Shannon Pluhowsky, with both bowlers trading strikes in a thrilling finish. Pluhowsky won 245-235, and Kovalova took home $6,500 for fourth place.
• Semifinal Match: Pluhowsky struggled on one lane, leaving five single pins, while Richard struck in the first seven frames to cruise to a 265-189 win. Pluhowsky finished third, earning $7,500.

Next Stop: The U.S. Women’s Open

With her first PWBA Tour title secured, Russo will now look to carry her momentum into the U.S. Women’s Open, which begins on June 11 in Indianapolis. The entire PWBA Tour, including this event’s stepladder finals, is available for fans to stream live on BowlTV.

Can Russo build on this success and make a deep run at the U.S. Women’s Open? Bowling fans won’t have to wait long to find out! 🎳💥