Canadian team rises to Ruby lead at 2016 Women's Championships

LAS VEGAS - Consistency was the name of the game for the members of Canucks of London, Ontario, Canada, as the quartet cruised into the lead in Ruby Team at the 2016 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships on Tuesday.

After starting the event with a 793 effort, Canucks remained steady and collected at the South Point Bowling Plaza, adding games of 771 and 770 for a 2,334 total. Road Trip of Naperville, Illinois, previously held the lead with 2,226.

Jill Friis paced Canucks with a 618 series, while Debbie Sims (604), Judy Hansen (560) and Karen MacNeil (552) helped finish off a performance that did not see an individual game dip below 176 or head north of 227.

The group has made the annual trek to the USBC Women's Championships for several years and was elated to see the commitment and dedication pay off.

"We knew we were bowling pretty well after the first game and just wanted to keep it going," said Friis, who made her 31st tournament appearance. "We've been together at this for a long time, so it feels like we've paid our dues. We come out here every time and give it our best, and this is the first time we've done something like this."

Although they knew they were off to a strong start, the members of Canucks enjoyed the surprise of finding out their effort had catapulted them to the top of the standings.

The foursome now is in position to become the first group from Canada to bring home a coveted team title since Greater Toronto No. 3 of Scarborough, Ontario, recorded a victory in Division II at the 2001 event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"This is just unbelievable," said Friis, who paired with France Joubert to earn a bronze medal in doubles at the 2015 World Bowling Senior Championships, which also took place in Las Vegas. "We were just happy thinking we were going to get some money back to help pay for our trip. The other girls knew before I did, so it was a nice surprise for me as well as them."

Ruby Team features four-player teams with combined entering averages of 650-724.

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