Shannon Pluhowski defeated Kelly Kulick 236-142 to advance to the semifinals of the USBC Women's Open Championships in Henderson, Nev.

Pluhowski was locked into the pocket all day, beginning with her 269-172 victory over Kim Terrell-Kearney. In match one, televised on ESPN Sunday, Pluhowski opened with the front eight strikes en route to victory. Kulick struggled from the beginning and never was able to get lined up.

The next show on ESPN will be Oct. 4 and will feature Lynda Barnes and Clara Guerrero in match one, with the winner to face Carolyn Dorin-Ballard.

The Women's Challenge series will continue during PBA broadcasts and will feature the championship match.

If you find that you are leaving a lot of splits, chances are you're playing the lanes with too much angle. By angle, I mean the angle that the ball takes to the pocket.To change the angle to the pocket, change your line to one that allows a smoother roll or arc to the ball, rather than a sharper hook, as it approaches the head pin.In other words, try to throw the ball on a straighter line to the pocket. And when you leave a split, take into account the game situation before you try to convert it.If it's early in the game or the match isn't in question, give a split-conversion a try.If it is a close match, get as many pins as possible.

How many different possible split combinations are there? Answer at the end of the column.

I have always been a supporter of having leagues sanctioned by the USBC. For just a few dollars each season, your league is supported by the national organization that provides a set of rules for the league to follow. It also provides awards to bowlers for achievements on the lanes.Among the best benefits is insurance against loss or theft of league money.

Mike Warnock had the high game of 265 in the Troy-Alan League and Dan Manning had the high triple of 734. ... Linda Smith scored the high single of 198 in the Coins League and Judy Kennedy had the high triple of 531. ... Joe Yusko led the Armco C League with a 255 single. Greg Loverick 225 (676) and Bill Yusko Jr. 226 (651) also bowled well.

The Imperial League needs bowlers. It is a nonhandicap league that bowls at Sherwood Lanes at 6 p.m. Mondays. Stop by Sherwood for information.

There are 459 potential split combinations.<b><I>Ron Willison is the bowling columnist for the Butler Eagle.</I></B>