Baltimore team closes in at Open Championships
The group got off to a shaky start at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., but picked up the pace as the night went on and posted games of 1,020, 1,093 and 1,180 for 3,293 and seventh place in Regular Team. Lava Lanes of Medford, Ore., leads with 3,405.
"We got started a little slow, but everybody really came together for the last couple games," said Edward VanDaniker Jr., who recently finished 10th at the 2007 Lake County Indiana Denny's PBA Tour Trials and just missed one of the full-time Tour exemptions earned by the top seven finishers. "It's so important to get every pin we can and have that big finish down the stretch. Of course, we would rather have taken over the lead, but this is still very exciting right now."
VanDaniker led the way with 738 and was followed by Charlie Standish (668), Bruce Hollen Jr. (649), Robert Alexander (629) and Jeff Poholsky (609).
"The challenging lane conditions forced us to be a little more consistent," said Vandaniker, 21, who made his fourth Open Championships appearance. "But team play was key as we worked together to try and break down the shot. After that, the game plan was just to throw the ball well and see what happens in the end."
Presenting sponsors for the 2007 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Sands Regency Casino and Hotel, official brackets sponsor and supporting sponsors Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa and Harrah's Casino and Hotel.
By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications