RENO, Nev. - The members of Schmitt Reddi Mix 2 of Bennett, Colo., knew what kind of numbers they wanted to put up at the 2013 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, and they surpassed their goal as they moved into the Classified Team lead at the National Bowling Stadium on Wednesday.

The group used games of 887, 949 and 927 en route to a 2,763 total to surpass Scotty's 1 of Alexandria, Minn., which shot 2,720 on March 25.

Ray Green led the way for Schmitt Reddi Mix 2 with a 628 series and was followed by Randy Taylor (591), Ron Morgan (520), Dan Palmer (514) and Kent Stoker (510).

Schmitt Reddi Mix 2 knew if it could come out of the gates strong and be around 900 each game, it could make a run up the leaderboard. Needing just 885 in the final game to take the lead, the team got out to a strong start and filled frames.

"We thought 900 per game would be a real good number to hit," said Stoker, who made his 15th USBC Open Championships appearance. "After we hit around that the first two games, we knew we just had to fill the last game out and would be right in the running."

The team members credited their success to their ability to stay positive and communicate on the championship lanes in 2013.

"We always say not to worry about your misses," Stoker said. "Just get back into the game and throw your next ball. Don't let opens bother you, and move on to the next frame. We're always talking to each other and trying to keep people up and not get down on themselves."

With the 2013 tournament nearing the halfway point, Schmitt Reddi Mix 2 will be keeping an eye on the leaderboard in hopes that its score will stay right where it is.

"It would be wonderful," Stoker said. "We've been coming out here for a while, and our teams have always finished in the money, but we haven't been in this kind of position before. It's a dream come true for us. I just hope it holds up. We're going to be watching the scores now."

Later Wednesday evening, the 2012 Classified Team champion, Nite Owls of Madison Heights, Va., returned to the Open Championships lanes.

Although all five members of Nite Owls didn't remain on the same team, they bowled on the same lanes. David Dean, Winston Ware, Michael Hicks and John Sperry all bowled together again, while Leon Clark bowled for Arrowhead Rollers of Madison Heights.

Nite Owls finished its 2013 team event with a 2,469 total, while Arrowhead Rollers ended with 2,295.

In order to be eligible for the Classified Division, a team must have a combined average of 900 or less.

Presenting sponsors for the 2013 USBC Open Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.