According to the Professional Bowlers Association and Professional Women’s Bowling Association, qualifying at the 2026 Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles event in Houston concluded Saturday evening with the top 40 teams advancing to Sunday’s semifinals. Among those advancing are first-time teammates Keira Magsam of Gretna, Nebraska, and Tom Hess of Granger, Iowa, who secured ninth place with a combined seven-game total of 3,045.
Qualifying Results and Top Teams in Houston
Erin McCarthy of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and Andrew Anderson of Holly, Michigan, led the field after Saturday’s qualifying round with a combined seven-game total of 3,127, according to tournament records. Danielle Urbano of Stony Point, New York, and Anthony Simonsen of Las Vegas placed second with 3,103.
Rounding out the top tier, Rocio Restrepo of Colombia and Deo Benard of Roanoke, Texas, finished third with 3,100, while Josie Barnes of Hermitage, Tennessee, and Stu Williams of Pflugerville, Texas, took fourth with 3,083. Kayla Sommer of Rockford, Illinois, and Dawson Peterson of Stewartville, Minnesota, secured fifth place with 3,073.
Chemistry on the Lanes for Magsam and Hess
For Hess, participating in the Houston tournament centers on supporting the event’s core mission, which made finding a replacement partner straightforward when his usual teammate could not attend, according to his statements. Hess noted that he reached out to Rick Magsam after finding Keira Magsam’s name on the Team USA page.
Magsam, who recently completed a successful collegiate season at Jacksonville State, stated that her background in team competition helped ease the transition to bowling alongside Hess. Hess credited Magsam’s collegiate experience with keeping the newly formed duo positive and focused throughout the demanding seven-game block.
Upcoming Semifinal Schedule and Format
According to tournament organizers, Magsam, Hess, and the remaining 39 advancing pairs will return at 9 a.m. Eastern on Sunday. Competitors will bowl four games in the semifinal round before a final cut narrows the field to the top 12 teams.
Those 12 teams will advance to round-robin match play sessions scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Champions will be crowned based on total pinfall, with winners earning a national title for their respective tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format for Sunday’s rounds at the Houston mixed doubles event?
Competitors play a four-game semifinal round starting at 9 a.m.
Who led the qualifying round in Houston?
Erin McCarthy and Andrew Anderson finished the qualifying round in first place with a combined seven-game total of 3,127.
How many teams advanced to the semifinals?
Tournament results confirm that the top 40 teams advanced past Saturday evening’s qualifying cut.
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