Dayton bowlers have made their presence known in the PWBA ranks as Shannon Pluhowsky — currently eighth in points — has made four televised finals this year and posted a pair of second-place finishes – at the Las Vegas Open and the Storm Sacramento Open. Pluhowsky has a chance to claim her first title Sunday (Aug. 7) as she competes in the PWBA Lexington Open finals. Dayton’s Megan Kelly has also had success, cashing in two PWBA tournaments this season.
While both Pluhowsky and Kelly are in their second season of PWBA competition, others are coming on board. Andrea Behr and Ann Coleman both tried their hand at PWBA stops this season, competing in three events apiece.
What’s it like competing with and against the best of the best? Behr and Coleman share their experience.
Andrea Behr
“I feel honored and privileged that I was able to bowl in a few PWBA stops, especially since the PWBA just came back a couple of years ago. With my job, it was hard to take off and travel to more stops. The experience is amazing. You get to bowl next to and learn from the best women bowlers in the world. It’s definitely a different beast out there.
“It taught me what I needed to work on for sure and reiterated how important your mental game is — it can make or break you. It also made me realize how much support I truly have from my family and friends — I couldn’t have done it without them. Their support gave me more confidence and confidence is what you need to compete at that level, amongst other things. I hope to get to try more events next year.”
Ann Coleman
The best way to describe it is, it’s a grind — but I have enjoyed every minute. You definitely gain a new respect for those girls who do well week after week. I have learned so much about my game and myself. I’ve played parts of the lane I’ve never dreamed I’d be playing. My goal was to cash once — which I didn’t accomplish — but overall I’m very happy with the way I performed. I’d love to do more events next year but that requires a lot more work on my game.”
The season wraps up with the Smithfield PWBA Tour Championship Sept. 1-4 in Virginia.
About the Author