HENDERSON, Nev. - Team USA took the lead in the men's and women's team event after the opening three games Thursday at the 2012 Pan American Bowling Confederation Adult Championships.

The United States leads Mexico by just 11 pins in the women's team event at Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center. Team USA tallied 3,349 on the Stockholm pattern, while Mexico totaled 3,338. Venezuela is third with 3,073.

Liz Johnson led Team USA with a 785 series and was followed by Shannon Pluhowsky (709), Stefanie Nation (680), Josie Earnest (620) and Diandra Asbaty (555).



On the men's side, Team USA leads Puerto Rico by 45 pins. The U.S. totaled 3,317, while Puerto Rico fired 3,272. Canada is third with 3,225.

John Janawicz had the highest individual total for Team USA with a 685 series and was followed by Tommy Jones (671), Steve Smith (670), Marshall Kent (659) and Bill O'Neill (632).

The final three games of the women's team event will take place Friday at 8 a.m. Pacific. The men will take to the lanes at 1 p.m. Pacific.

After the conclusion of the team event, the top 24 players in the all-events standings in each division will advance to Saturday's Masters competition.

For more information on the PABCON Adult Championships, visit BOWL.com/PABCON2012.