Georgia team rolls into Diamond lead at 2016 Women's Championships

LAS VEGAS - The members of Atlanta's Finest of Lithia Springs, Georgia, lived up to their name after putting together an impressive performance Thursday at the 2016 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.

Atlanta's Finest cruised into the lead in Diamond Team at the South Point Bowling Plaza with games of 881, 872 and 781 for a 2,534 total. Tinickia Fleming led the effort with a 698 series, and she was joined at the 60-lane venue by Daphne Smith (655), Devera Buckley (592) and Vanina Carlton (589).

Although the team members hail from Missouri, South Carolina and Georgia, they independently put in the effort to be as prepared as possible for their time in Las Vegas.

That preparation paid dividends out of the gate, as Atlanta's Finest averaged nearly 220 as a team through its first two games Thursday.

"We're from different areas, so we went to our local centers and had them layout the pattern, so we could get familiar and comfortable with it," said Fleming, who made her third USBC Women's Championships appearance. "After we got going, we just tried to keep everybody upbeat and did our best to stay in a good rhythm."

The transition of the 41-foot lane condition slowed the striking down in the finale, but the overall effort let the team know their game plan truly came together.

Now, they get the opportunity to enjoy their spot at the top of the standings together before returning for doubles and singles Friday afternoon.

"This makes us feel really good about all of the practice and work that built up to this point," Fleming said. "It's an amazing feeling. Even if it's just for one week, since it's early, we're happy we have this moment to share."

Diamond Team features bowlers with combined entering averages of 725 and above.

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