Pluhowsky Wins Team USA Trials, Verstraete Finishes Third

Las Vegas, Nev. - After five days of intense qualifying rounds, Husker alum Shannon Pluhowsky won the Team USA Trials, while current Husker senior Kayla Verstraete finished third in the US Amateur Championship.

After the first day of qualifying, Pluhowsky was in first with an average of 242.5 and Verstraete finished seventh with a 226.8 mark. On day two, Verstraete averaged 216.8, good for fifth, and Pluhowsky averaged 210 to sit in 10th. Verstraete led after day three with a 246 mark and Pluhowsky finished seventh with a 229.3. On day four, Pluhowsky averaged 207.5 (eighth place) and Verstraete 191.1 (47th place). On the final day, Pluhowsky was 16th with a 213.3 mark and Verstraete was 65th (195.6 average).

Overall, Pluhowsky finished with 44 points (first place) and Verstraete finished with 125 points (ninth). After her outstanding performance, Pluhowsky was named to adult Team USA, along with current Husker assistant coach Julia Bond and Husker sophomore Jillian Martin. Martin was also named to Junior Team USA.

Up next, the Huskers return to the lanes in a less than 24-hour turnaround for the 2024 Stormin’ Blue and White Vegas Classic, Jan. 8-10.