American women start strong in team qualifying at IBF World Cup
October 19, 2026
Team USA athletes (from left to right) Jordan Snodgrass of Adrian, Michigan; Shannon Pluhowsky of Dayton, Ohio; Gianna Brandolino of Channahon, Illinois; and Jillian Martin of Stow, Ohio; smile on the approach at Max Munich Bowling - Brunnthal in Germany prior to the start of Women's Team qualifying at the 2026 IBF World Cup. On Monday, the American foursome went 5-2 to end the opening day of matches in second place in their group and in prime position to advance to the event's bracket competition.
FULL RESULTS
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Team USA women authored a solid performance on Day 1 of team event qualifying at the 2026 International Bowling Federation World Cup in Germany.
The American foursome of Gianna Brandolino of Channahon, Illinois; Jillian Martin of Stow, Ohio; Shannon Pluhowsky of Dayton, Ohio; and Jordan Snodgrass of Adrian, Michigan, posted a 5-2 record at Max Munich Bowling – Brunnthal on Monday to finish the opening block with 15 points and in a five-way tie with the Philippines, Australia, Germany and Guatemala for second place in Women’s Team Group A. Singapore (6-1) leads the group with 18 points.
France and Canada currently occupy the two remaining advancing positions in the 13-team group. Both squads went 4-3 on Monday and finished with 12 points each.
Macao went a perfect 7-0 to earn 21 points and secure the opening-day lead in Women’s Team Group B. Sweden (6-1) and the Netherlands (6-1) are close behind, sitting tied for second place with 18 points apiece. Malaysia (5-2) and Denmark (5-2) each secured 15 points on Monday, while China (4-3), Greece (4-3) and Austria (4-3) ended the day with matching totals of 12 points.
Team competition in both divisions at the World Cup utilizes the Baker format, and all matches are conducted as best-of-three contests. Countries are awarded three points for every victory.
The top four teams in each group on the men’s side and top eight from each group in the women’s division after Tuesday’s final qualifying blocks will advance to their respective 16-team bracket.
The final day of competition at the 2026 World Cup will be Wednesday, as all advancing teams look to navigate their way through the single-elimination bracket to take home the coveted team gold medals.
All bracket matches will feature a best-of-five Baker format to determine the winner.
The American women wasted no time taking their first steps toward securing a spot in the bracket, sweeping their first three matches on Monday.
Team USA kicked the day of with a 2-0 victory over the Philippines by scores of 171-170 and 227-196. Next, came wins against Singapore (277-267; 199-182) and Kuwait (191-146; 208-156).
The tide turned a bit during the next two contests, however, as Team USA lost to Australia in three games (172-215; 224-179; 179-189) before being swept by Canada (150-197; 180-196) in Match 5.
The gritty Americans righted the ship, however, closing the evening with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Guatemala (214-212; 176-175) and earning a win via a bye in Match 7 to cap off a solid opening-day performance.
While many people only pay attention to scores and standings, Snodgrass took note of Team USA’s communication and the willingness of each athlete to support her teammates no matter how the pins fell on Monday.
“The specific thing that stood out in the matches today was our team chemistry,” Snodgrass said. “We were always working together to figure it out, and if one person struggled, we picked them up. Regardless of our ages, I think we all mesh together really well as a team.”
The 44-foot World Cup oil pattern has beguiled many competitors throughout this year’s competition in Munich, but Snodgrass believes that she and her teammates have accrued the knowledge needed to continue recording victories during the final two days of competition at this year’s tournament.
“I think all the information we learned from all the singles matches really helped us today and that we have a good grasp on the characteristics of each lane,” Snodgrass said. “I think these next matches tomorrow are going to be us soaking up all the information we can to help us as we advance. It’s always nice to see our name near the top, but it’s going to take another good day to stay up there.”
Team USA’s men also will be in action in Munich on Tuesday as the foursome of Andrew Anderson of Holly, Michigan; Ryan Barnes of Denton, Texas; Packy Hanrahan of Wichita, Kansas; and Chris Via of Blacklick, Ohio; will attempt to reach for the bracket by qualifying fourth or better in Men’s Team Group D.
Men’s qualifying took place in Groups A and B in Munich on Monday with Qatar (10-1 – 30 points); Sweden (9-2 – 27 points); Australia (7-4 – 21 points); and France (6-5 – 18 points) moving on in Group A, while Hong Kong (9-2 – 27 points); Czech Republic (8-3 – 24 points); Canada (8-3 – 24 points); and Macao (8-3 – 24 points) advanced out of Group B.
Malaysia entered this year’s event as the defending team champion in the men’s division, while the United States is looking for back-to-back titles on the women’s side at the World Cup. The group representing Team USA during the 2024 event in Hong Kong included Martin, Pluhowsky, Bryanna Coté of Tucson, Arizona, and Lauren Russo of Ballwin, Missouri.
CLICK HERE for more information on Team USA.
FULL RESULTS
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Team USA women authored a solid performance on Day 1 of team event qualifying at the 2026 International Bowling Federation World Cup in Germany.
The American foursome of Gianna Brandolino of Channahon, Illinois; Jillian Martin of Stow, Ohio; Shannon Pluhowsky of Dayton, Ohio; and Jordan Snodgrass of Adrian, Michigan, posted a 5-2 record at Max Munich Bowling – Brunnthal on Monday to finish the opening block with 15 points and in a five-way tie with the Philippines, Australia, Germany and Guatemala for second place in Women’s Team Group A. Singapore (6-1) leads the group with 18 points.
France and Canada currently occupy the two remaining advancing positions in the 13-team group. Both squads went 4-3 on Monday and finished with 12 points each.
Macao went a perfect 7-0 to earn 21 points and secure the opening-day lead in Women’s Team Group B. Sweden (6-1) and the Netherlands (6-1) are close behind, sitting tied for second place with 18 points apiece. Malaysia (5-2) and Denmark (5-2) each secured 15 points on Monday, while China (4-3), Greece (4-3) and Austria (4-3) ended the day with matching totals of 12 points.
Team competition in both divisions at the World Cup utilizes the Baker format, and all matches are conducted as best-of-three contests. Countries are awarded three points for every victory.
The top four teams in each group on the men’s side and top eight from each group in the women’s division after Tuesday’s final qualifying blocks will advance to their respective 16-team bracket.
The final day of competition at the 2026 World Cup will be Wednesday, as all advancing teams look to navigate their way through the single-elimination bracket to take home the coveted team gold medals.
All bracket matches will feature a best-of-five Baker format to determine the winner.
The American women wasted no time taking their first steps toward securing a spot in the bracket, sweeping their first three matches on Monday.
Team USA kicked the day of with a 2-0 victory over the Philippines by scores of 171-170 and 227-196. Next, came wins against Singapore (277-267; 199-182) and Kuwait (191-146; 208-156).
The tide turned a bit during the next two contests, however, as Team USA lost to Australia in three games (172-215; 224-179; 179-189) before being swept by Canada (150-197; 180-196) in Match 5.
The gritty Americans righted the ship, however, closing the evening with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Guatemala (214-212; 176-175) and earning a win via a bye in Match 7 to cap off a solid opening-day performance.
While many people only pay attention to scores and standings, Snodgrass took note of Team USA’s communication and the willingness of each athlete to support her teammates no matter how the pins fell on Monday.
“The specific thing that stood out in the matches today was our team chemistry,” Snodgrass said. “We were always working together to figure it out, and if one person struggled, we picked them up. Regardless of our ages, I think we all mesh together really well as a team.”
The 44-foot World Cup oil pattern has beguiled many competitors throughout this year’s competition in Munich, but Snodgrass believes that she and her teammates have accrued the knowledge needed to continue recording victories during the final two days of competition at this year’s tournament.
“I think all the information we learned from all the singles matches really helped us today and that we have a good grasp on the characteristics of each lane,” Snodgrass said. “I think these next matches tomorrow are going to be us soaking up all the information we can to help us as we advance. It’s always nice to see our name near the top, but it’s going to take another good day to stay up there.”
Team USA’s men also will be in action in Munich on Tuesday as the foursome of Andrew Anderson of Holly, Michigan; Ryan Barnes of Denton, Texas; Packy Hanrahan of Wichita, Kansas; and Chris Via of Blacklick, Ohio; will attempt to reach for the bracket by qualifying fourth or better in Men’s Team Group D.
Men’s qualifying took place in Groups A and B in Munich on Monday with Qatar (10-1 – 30 points); Sweden (9-2 – 27 points); Australia (7-4 – 21 points); and France (6-5 – 18 points) moving on in Group A, while Hong Kong (9-2 – 27 points); Czech Republic (8-3 – 24 points); Canada (8-3 – 24 points); and Macao (8-3 – 24 points) advanced out of Group B.
Malaysia entered this year’s event as the defending team champion in the men’s division, while the United States is looking for back-to-back titles on the women’s side at the World Cup. The group representing Team USA during the 2024 event in Hong Kong included Martin, Pluhowsky, Bryanna Coté of Tucson, Arizona, and Lauren Russo of Ballwin, Missouri.
CLICK HERE for more information on Team USA.