HOUSTON – At the 2026 Professional Bowlers Association/Professional Women’s Bowling Association Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles event, Josie Barnes of Hermitage, Tennessee, and Stu Williams of Pflugerville, Texas, find themselves in the top five after the first day of qualifying in Houston.
The duo led A Squad in the morning and finished the day in third place with a combined seven-game total of 3,083. Erin McCarthy of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and Andrew Anderson of Holly, Michigan, led after the day was done with 3,127 while Colombia’s Rocio Restrepo and Deo Benard of Roanoke, Texas, ended the day in second with 3,100.
Lauren and Matt Russo of Ballwin, Missouri (3,071) and Sydney Bohn of Jackson, New Jersey, and Cam Crowe of Orland Park, Illinois (3,069), closed out the top five.
Barnes and Williams credited their chemistry and ability to stay composed on a demanding lane condition.
"Once I found one ball that gave me confidence to hit the pocket, the lanes got a lot easier," Williams said. "And Josie never misses any spares, so it makes it a lot easier because when she gets a good game, she gets to take advantage of it. I think that was the key."
Williams said their similar personalities also help them navigate adversity together.
"We both have a lot of the same issues on the lanes," Williams said. "We have a certain amount of empathy for each other, and I think that helps us. Because the scores usually aren't that high here, when we finally do get a good game, we gain a pretty big advantage from it."
Barnes said the pair's complementary personalities and approach help keep each other focused throughout the block.
"We don't really take anything too personally," Barnes said. "Even when one of us throws a bad shot, we're able to lighten the mood. That's the best way to put it."
Qualifying continues Saturday with C Squad taking the lanes at 9 a.m. Eastern before D Squad closes it out at 3 p.m. Eastern. The top 40 teams after qualifying return Sunday for four games in the semifinals before the top 12 advance to the round-robin match-play finals. All rounds will be streamed live on BowlTV.
