Miller-Mackie leads opening round of 2013 Senior Queens

Complete standings

ARLINGTON, Texas - Hall of Famer Dana Miller-Mackie of Albuquerque, N.M., threw the final six strikes in her last game to capture the opening round lead at the 2013 United States Bowling Congress Senior Queens on Friday.

Miller-Mackie put together games of 205, 244, 199, 237 and 248 for a five-game total of 1,133 (226.60 average) at the International Training and Research Center to sneak past 2011 USBC Senior Queens champion Paula Vidad of Sun City, Calif., who finished with 1,125.

A ball change late in the final game helped Miller-Mackie find the right look into the pocket, and the strong start gives her a lot to look forward to as the tournament progresses.

"I was throwing it pretty good and started leaving 7 pins," said Miller-Mackie, who finished second at the 2009 and 2012 Senior Queens. "I had nothing to lose, so I changed balls. I was really fortunate the change worked because it doesn't always work out that way. To start strong, for me, is a huge thing. Usually I have to work my way up. I'm thrilled."

Defending Senior Queens champion Anne Marie Duggan of Edmond, Okla., sits in third with 1,111. USBC Hall of Famer Tish Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colo., is in fourth with 1,096, and Lisa Wasson of Murphy, Texas, rounds out the top five with 1,086.

All 40 bowlers will return to the ITRC on Saturday at 11 a.m. Eastern for the second five-game block of qualifying. After 15 games of qualifying, the top 15 competitors and Duggan will advance to double-elimination match play.

Every round of competition of the Senior Queens will be broadcast live on BowlTV, including the stepladder finals on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Bowlers are competing for a top prize of $3,000 and the coveted tiara presented to the champion.

The end of qualifying also will wrap up the Senior Women's Triple Crown Series presented by The Orleans. The special event was created for bowlers who participate in the Senior Queens, Senior U.S. Women's Open and National Golden Ladies Classic and features a top prize of $1,000.

The top 10 players in the Triple Crown Series advance to a single-elimination bracket based on their qualifying scores from each of the three events. The Triple Crown Shoot-Out presented by The Orleans will be shown live on BowlTV on Sunday at 7 p.m. Eastern.