Shannon Pluhowsky Triumphs at 2024 PWBA GoBowling! Twin Cities Open

Shannon Pluhowsky of Dayton, Ohio, kicked off the 2024 PWBA season in style by securing victory at the PWBA GoBowling! Twin Cities Open. She defeated England’s Verity Crawley in the championship match, winning 236-203 at Cedarvale Lanes in Eagan, Minnesota, on Saturday night.

This marks Pluhowsky’s third career PWBA title, adding to her previous victories at the 2021 PWBA Tour Championship and 2006 USBC Queens, both of which were major titles.

A Steady Climb to Victory

Pluhowsky dominated the competition from the start, finishing as the top seed after four rounds of qualifying. As the No. 1 seed, she needed just one victory in the stepladder finals to claim the title, an advantage she capitalized on masterfully.

Crawley, however, had an impressive run to reach the final match, defeating three strong opponents along the way:

• Crystal Elliott (297-225) – Crawley nearly bowled a perfect game, striking 11 times in a row before finishing with 297, eliminating Elliott.
• Jordan Richard (244-222) – Crawley secured the win after Richard left a 2-8-10 split in the 10th frame.
• Stephanie Zavala (232-172) – A strategic ball change helped Crawley regain momentum and clinch her third consecutive win.

Heading into the final match, Crawley had been averaging an impressive 257 across her three victories. However, her hot streak came to a halt against Pluhowsky.

Pluhowsky’s Dominance in the Championship Match

While Crawley struggled with pin carry, leaving five 10-pins in the first seven frames, Pluhowsky capitalized on her left-handed advantage. She struck on seven of her first eight shots, maintaining full control of the match despite a single open frame due to a 4-6 split.

Crawley managed a late double in the 10th frame to finish with 203, but it was too little, too late. Pluhowsky easily secured the win with a final strike, closing at 236 and claiming the $20,000 top prize. Crawley earned $10,000 for her runner-up finish.

After the victory, Pluhowsky shared her winning strategy:

“I didn’t practice very much on the pair, only a few shots to keep it as fresh as possible.”

She also reflected on her relief at finally converting a No. 1 seed into a championship:

“To finally be the top seed and win… I always say I’d rather be there and only have to bowl one game, and it’s a 50/50 chance to win. This time, I got the good side of it.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to Rockford

With her season-opening victory, Pluhowsky now sets her sights on winning back-to-back events. The PWBA Tourmoves next to The Cherry Bowl in Rockford, Illinois, for the Bowlers Journal Rockford Open, taking place May 8-11.

Will Pluhowsky maintain her momentum, or will another bowler step up to claim the next title? Stay tuned as the 2024 PWBA season unfolds! 🚀🎳

Final Standings & Prize Money

🏆 1st Place: Shannon Pluhowsky – $20,000
🥈 2nd Place: Verity Crawley – $10,000
🥉 3rd Place: Stephanie Zavala – $7,500
🏅 4th Place: Jordan Richard – $6,500
🏅 5th Place: Crystal Elliott – $5,500