The number one seed for the stepladder finals - Shannon Pluhowsky - emerged victorious at the 2024 PWBA GoBowling! Twin Cities Open, securing her third PWBA title by defeating Verity Crawley in the championship match with a score of 236-203.
In the stepladder finals, the fifth-seeded Crawley overcame three competitiors to be in the championship match.
She began by facing off against Crystal Elliott, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion making her PWBA debut. Despite Elliott's valiant effort, Crawley made 11 consecutive strikes to secure her advancement, leaving Elliott to settle for fifth place with a final result of 297-225.
Crawley's journey continued as she battled against Jordan Richard, the reigning PWBA Player of the Year. The match proved to be intense, with both players exchanging shot-for-shot, keeping the outcome uncertain until the final frames. Richard had an opportunity to secure victory but fell short, allowing Crawley to advance with a final score of 244-222.
In the semifinal match, Crawley faced Stephanie Zavala, a five-time PWBA Tour titlist and the 2021 Rookie of the Year. Despite encountering early challenges, Crawley's strategic ball change propelled her to victory with a final score of 232-172, securing her spot in the championship match against Pluhowsky.
Although Crawley entered the championship match with momentum, she faced adversity in the form of bad pin carry. Pluhowsky, on the other hand, demonstrated exceptional consistency, maintaining control of the match from start to finish. Despite Crawley's efforts, Pluhowsky's mastery of the lanes secured her the title with a score of 236-203.
The PWBA Tour season will continue in Rockford, IL, where the PWBA Bowlers Journal Rockford Open will take place from May 8-11.
PWBA GoBowling! Twin Cities Open Results:
Game 1: Crystal Elliott vs. Verity Crawley, 225-297
Game 2: Jordan Richard vs. Verity Crawley, 222-244
Game 3: Stephanie Zavala vs. Verity Crawley, 172-232
Title game: Shannon Pluhowsky vs. Verity Crawley, 236-203
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